Cancun International Airportone of the busiest gateways to the Mexican Caribbean, has reported a continued decline in passenger traffic, raising questions about the factors behind the downturn.
In December 2024, the airport recorded a 7.2% decline in passenger numbers compared to the same month in 2023, including a 6.3% decline in international travelers. For the year, the airport handled 20.175 million passengers, down 3.5% from last year’s total.
The ongoing slump has raised concerns, especially as competing Caribbean destinations posted strong year-end performances. Several possible causes have been suggested, ranging from the effects of summer storms to competition from Tulum’s new airport.
Other theories include rising safety concerns, reduced promotional efforts by Mexican tourism boards and a possible cooling of demand for the Mexican Caribbean.
How many tourists did Tulum Airport have in 2024?
Tulum International Airportwhich launched in 2024, reported serving approximately 1.2 million passengers during its first year. Strategically located to cater to the booming Riviera Maya region, the airport’s proximity to popular tourist destinations such as Tulum and Playa del Carmen has made it an attractive alternative for travelers previously dependent on Cancun International Airport.
As the tourism industry enters 2025, the coming months will be critical in determining whether Cancun can reverse this trend and regain its position as the dominant travel hub in the region.