Cancún, Quintana Roo – For the third consecutive month, Cancún International Airport has experienced a decline in passenger volume compared to the previous year. This trend, noted in the latest report from Aeropuertos del Sureste (Asur), has raised concerns about the factors influencing this downturn and its potential long-term impacts.
According to Asur’s monthly report, Cancún International Airport handled a total of 16.2 million passengers in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 2.4% decrease from the 16.6 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2023. This overall decline highlights a significant shift in travel patterns to one of Mexico’s busiest airports.
The decrease in domestic passenger traffic has been particularly stark. In the first half of 2023, Cancún International Airport served 5.6 million domestic passengers. However, this number has dropped to 4.8 million in the first half of 2024, marking a substantial 13.2% decline. This reduction in domestic travel can be attributed to several factors, primarily the ongoing maintenance issues affecting certain aircraft.
The overhaul of the engines of the Airbus A320Neo aircraft, used by major airlines such as Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and Aeroméxico, has necessitated a reduction in flight frequencies. These maintenance activities have significantly impacted domestic travel, contributing to the overall drop in passenger numbers.
In contrast to the decline in domestic passenger traffic, international travel through Cancún International Airport has shown resilience and growth. The airport reported a 3.1% increase in international passengers, with 11.3 million passengers traveling internationally in the first half of 2024, compared to 11 million during the same period in 2023. This growth underscores the enduring appeal of Cancún as a destination for international tourists, despite challenges in the domestic travel sector.
The downward trend in overall passenger traffic at Cancún International Airport began in April, with a marginal decrease of 0.1% compared to the previous year. By May, the decline had increased to 1.3%, and by June, it had reached 2.4%. This progressive decrease over the months indicates an ongoing issue that has yet to stabilize.
The decline in domestic passenger traffic is primarily attributed to the engine overhaul issues affecting the Airbus A320Neo aircraft. This has led to reduced flight frequencies as airlines like Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and Aeroméxico address necessary repairs and maintenance. The impact of these disruptions has been significant enough to influence the overall passenger numbers at the airport.
However, the director of Cancún International Airport, Carlos Trueba Coll, emphasized that the decline cannot be attributed to the opening of the new Tulum airport. In a recent interview, Trueba Coll stated, “We consider it to be a complement; there are no signs that the new airport is taking over flights that traditionally land in Cancún; so far they are completely new routes to that terminal.”
The decline in passenger traffic at Cancún International Airport has broader implications for the region’s economy, which heavily relies on tourism. Cancún, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historical sites, attracts millions of visitors each year. Any significant changes in passenger traffic can have ripple effects on local businesses, hotels, and tourism-related services.
Local stakeholders and businesses are closely monitoring the situation, as the decline in domestic travel could affect revenue streams dependent on Mexican tourists. The hospitality sector, in particular, may need to adjust its strategies to accommodate the changing travel dynamics.
In response to the ongoing challenges, airlines and airport authorities are exploring strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced domestic travel. Airlines are working to expedite the maintenance and repair processes for the affected Airbus A320Neo aircraft, aiming to restore regular flight frequencies as soon as possible.
Additionally, efforts are being made to promote international tourism further, capitalizing on the growth in international passenger numbers. Marketing campaigns targeting key international markets, coupled with attractive travel packages and promotions, are being rolled out to sustain the momentum in international travel.
The outlook for the second half of 2024 remains cautiously optimistic. While the maintenance issues with the Airbus A320Neo aircraft present a short-term challenge, the overall appeal of Cancún as a premier travel destination continues to draw international tourists. Authorities are hopeful that the combination of resolving aircraft issues and strategic marketing efforts will stabilize and potentially reverse the decline in passenger traffic.
