Delta Will Launch Nonstop Flights to Tulum’s New Airport

Delta Air Lines is launching flights to Tulum next spring, becoming the first U.S. carrier to fly to the brand-new international airport on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Beginning on March 28, 2024, Delta will launch daily flights between its Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) hub and Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO).

The airline will operate the year-round route with its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which has a total capacity of 160 passengers.

Delta Air Lines, Boeing 737-800 / Photo: CarterAerial/Shutterstock

Construction on the new international airport at Tulum started in 2022, and its first commercial flights are scheduled for December 1, 2023. Located around 130km south of Cancun, the new airport lies in the heart of the Riviera Maya in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, close to Tulum’s coveted coastal resort town.

The town is famous for its laid-back, eco-conscious vibe, with a wide variety of low-budget accommodations and exclusive boutique hotels along its pristine beach and the city itself. The surrounding area is home to numerous Mayan ruins and cenotes – natural sinkholes popular with swimmers and divers due to their crystal-clear waters.

Photo: Tulum, Mexico. Courtesy of Roberto Nickson / Unsplash

Tulum has long been a favorite spot for holidaymakers in the Riviera Maya, and its popularity is growing. Once Delta’s daily flights to Tulum International Airport are launched, visitors won’t need to make the two-hour journey from Cancun International Airport (CUN) that is currently required.

“Delta is uniquely positioned to give customers convenient and direct access from the U.S. to Tulum, a premium leisure destination known for boutique hotels, Mayan ruins and eco-friendly spirit,” said Joe Esposito, Senior Vice President of Network Planning at Delta.

“We know Tulum-bound customers will enjoy the elevated experience Delta consistently offers – and now without a two-hour drive from Cancun – as we grow our footprint in Mexico and throughout the Yucatan region.”

Delta is set to become the first airline to operate international flights to Tulum when it launches its Atlanta service. And with the carrier serving more than 100 U.S. destinations from its main hub, passengers across the country can benefit from its seamless connections at ATL.

Photo: Courtesy of SELENA / Tulum Airport

Delta’s partner, Aeromexico, will launch operations at the new airport in December this year, connecting Tulum to Mexico City International Airport (MEX) with two daily flights.

According to Delta, its Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) with Aeromexico will offer over 90 flights between Mexico and the U.S. every day by the end of 2024, with almost 60 routes.

Mexican low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus has also announced five new domestic routes to Tulum – from Guadalajara (GDL), Monterrey (MTY), Tijuana (TJL), Mexico City Felipe Ángeles Airport (NLU), and MEX.