Expanding Horizons: New Air Routes Boost Mexico’s Tourism

Mexico’s tourism industry is poised for significant growth following the announcement of numerous new air routes, both domestic and international. This expansion, revealed after the 2025 tourist tianguis, promises to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the nation and beyond. Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, a key figure in the Government of Mexico, highlighted the strategic importance of these developments for the country’s economic vitality.

Viva Aerobus Leads with AIFA Expansion

Viva Aerobus is considerably expanding its operations from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), introducing eleven new routes. this move underscores AIFA’s growing role as a key aviation hub. seven of these routes will connect AIFA with major U.S. cities, including:

• Los Angeles
• Chicago
• Dallas-Fort Worth
• Denver
• Houston
• Miami
• Orlando

These routes are scheduled to commence in November. Domestically, Viva Aerobus will also launch services from AIFA to Tepic and La Paz starting in May, followed by Saltillo and Veracruz in November, further integrating mexico’s regional economies.

Volaris Enhances Connectivity with New Routes

Volaris is set to introduce 18 new routes between June and July. Domestically, these include connections from Morelia to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexicali, and Puerto Vallarta, fostering internal tourism and business travel. Internationally, Volaris will establish 15 new routes linking various Mexican cities with destinations in the United states, and also a new route to Costa Rica, broadening Mexico’s reach in the americas.

Aeromexico and Iberojet Join the Expansion

Aeromexico is also expanding its network, adding new flights from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to popular destinations such as Punta Cana, panama City, Philadelphia, and Cali, Colombia. Additionally, a new route will connect San Luis Potosí with Atlanta, increasing Aeromexico’s total route count to 118. The airline aims to operate a fleet of 160 aircraft by year-end, marking a 12% increase from its previous record.

Iberojet, a Spanish airline, will introduce a direct flight between Querétaro, Mexico, and Madrid, Spain, starting in October. This route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, providing a crucial link between the El Bajío region and Europe. This initiative is expected to attract european travelers to Querétaro’s tourist attractions, such as its wine and romance routes, as stated by Josefina Rodríguez Zamora.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The expansion of air routes is expected to have a significant positive impact on Mexico’s economy,especially in the tourism sector. Increased connectivity will facilitate both business and leisure travel,driving economic growth and creating new opportunities across various industries. As of Q1 2025, Mexico’s tourism sector contributed approximately 8.5% to the national GDP, and these new routes are projected to further enhance this contribution.

“The above will allow connecting a region of El Bajío with Europe that will encourage the travelers of the old continent to know the tourist routes that Querétaro has, such as wine and romance.”

Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Government of Mexico