Volaris has confirmed it will halt all flights to and from Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) from 7 January 2027, citing low load factors and a sharp rise in operating costs. The announcement makes Volaris the second major Mexican carrier to exit Tulum this year, following Aeroméxico, whose last flight operated on 30 September 2026.
What This Means for Travellers
Passengers with existing Volaris bookings to or from Tulum after 7 January will be contacted directly. The airline is offering three options: rebooking onto alternative routes, an electronic travel voucher, or a full refund. Ticket sales for Tulum flights beyond that date have already stopped.
If you have a Volaris booking to Tulum before 7 January, no action is needed - flights operate normally until the suspension takes effect. For bookings after that date, contact Volaris directly through your booking confirmation.
Why Airlines Are Leaving Tulum
Volaris pointed to a combination of factors: sustained low passenger numbers through summer 2026, when Tulum hotel occupancy fell to around 30%, and a 35% increase in the non-resident fee scheduled for 2027. Airport fees, fuel surcharges, and air navigation charges compound the problem for carriers already running thin margins on leisure routes.
Aeroméxico cited similar reasons when it ended service last month. The departures reflect a broader pattern: airlines are concentrating capacity at Cancún, where demand remains stronger, and reassessing whether Tulum’s airport can attract enough year-round traffic to justify route costs.
Who Is Still Flying to Tulum
International carriers are holding firm. Delta, United, and American Airlines continue to operate, and the winter 2026-2027 season brings five new routes from Canada - Air Canada from Montreal and Toronto, Air Transat from Montreal, and WestJet from Toronto and Calgary, all beginning between 25 and 31 October.
If you are flying in from the US or Canada for the winter season, connectivity is not the immediate concern. The gap left by Volaris and Aeroméxico affects primarily domestic Mexican travellers and those with connecting itineraries through Mexican hubs.
Planning Your Tulum Trip
Travellers flying into Cancún can reach Tulum by direct transfer - the Tren Maya connects both airports in roughly 75 minutes at a fixed fare. This remains the most practical option for visitors arriving on connecting itineraries or budget carriers routed through Cancún.
For those planning a longer trip, our 10-day Yucatán itinerary covers the best way to divide time between the Caribbean coast and the interior, including which days work best for Tulum given sargassum risk. Accommodation options are wide - see our guide to hotels in Tulum for properties across all price ranges.
The situation is being monitored closely. If more airlines announce route changes to Tulum, we will update this article.