Tulum, Quintana Roo — The skies over Tulum are set to host one of the most ambitious sporting and aviation events ever organized in the region. Officials have confirmed that the Tulum Air Show 2026 will take place from April 23 to 26, combining military and civilian aircraft exhibitions with a NASCAR México Series race, all centered at the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport.
The four-day event is being promoted as a large-scale celebration of aviation, technology, and motorsport, marking a first-of-its-kind format for Quintana Roo.
Aviation Takes Center Stage
Organizers confirmed that the Tulum Air Show will feature aircraft and drone exhibitions at the international airport, offering the public the opportunity to see modern aviation technology up close.
The Mexican Air Force is expected to participate with aerial demonstrations, adding a ceremonial and patriotic component to the program. Sunday, April 26, will include a beachfront aerial show, with aircraft flying over Parque del Jaguar and near the Tulum Archaeological Zone, a move likely to draw both residents and tourists.
Israelí Gómez Herrera, director of the Mexico Aerospace Fair, highlighted the scale of the event, noting that Tulum will bring together “military aircraft, civilian aircraft, and race cars in the same venue.”
The combination of sky and track is central to the concept.
NASCAR México Series: A Historic First
In a development that has drawn national attention, the Gran Premio Tulum 100 of the NASCAR México Series will be held on April 25 and 26 within the airport complex.
The race will count toward the official NASCAR México Series championship calendar, making it a points-scoring event rather than an exhibition.
Organizers, working in coordination with Operadora de Proyectos Especiales de México — the series’ promoter — confirmed that a special race circuit will be constructed inside the airport grounds.
It will be the first time in Quintana Roo that this category holds an official competition, and notably, the first time the series stages a race within an active airport facility.
Representatives of NASCAR México described the format as unprecedented, merging “track and sky in a unique experience.”
Between 20 and 25 race cars are expected to compete.
Logistics and Security Planning
Because the race will take place at an operational airport, state authorities confirmed that weeks of negotiations were conducted with federal agencies to ensure that commercial flight operations are not disrupted.
Operational bases for the event will include the airport terminal, Military Air Base No. 20, and designated zones within the broader tourism area.
Officials stated that safety, logistics, and runway modifications were carefully evaluated to avoid interference with scheduled flights.
Economic Impact for the Region
Organizers estimate attendance could approach 50,000 spectators over the course of the event.
With Tulum continuing to position itself as a high-profile tourism destination, the Air Show and NASCAR weekend are expected to generate significant economic activity for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and tourism operators throughout the Riviera Maya.
April falls within a strong tourism period, and the event may extend stays or attract new visitor segments, particularly motorsport fans and aviation enthusiasts.
Industry observers note that large-scale sporting events have increasingly become part of the Mexican Caribbean’s diversification strategy, adding new dimensions beyond traditional beach tourism.
A Strategic Move for Tulum
The event also reinforces Tulum’s growing infrastructure footprint following the opening of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport and the arrival of the Maya Train in the region.
By hosting an event that blends aerospace exhibition, military display, and professional motorsport, local and state authorities appear intent on positioning Tulum as an innovative venue capable of handling complex international-scale events.
If successful, the Tulum Air Show could become a recurring fixture.
Beachfront Finale
The most visually dramatic component may take place on Sunday, April 26, when aircraft are scheduled to perform aerial maneuvers above Parque del Jaguar and near the archaeological zone — a symbolic setting that blends Mexico’s historical heritage with modern aviation.
Organizers describe the weekend as a family-oriented celebration designed for both residents and visitors, with an emphasis on showcasing “the greatness of Mexico” through technology, sport, and national institutions.
What to Watch
While excitement is building, questions remain about final event programming details, ticketing, traffic management, and environmental oversight — particularly regarding beach and archaeological airspace.
Authorities have not yet released a detailed operational map or schedule breakdown beyond the confirmed dates and venues.
For now, what is certain is this: from April 23 to 26, 2026, Tulum will host an event unlike anything previously staged in Quintana Roo — a convergence of aviation spectacle and professional racing that promises to transform both the sky and the runway into a shared stage.
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