Tulum International Airport Overview

Tulum International Airport (IATA: TQO – ICAO: MMTA), officially named Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto, is the newest international gateway on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Located approximately 25 kilometres (16 miles) southwest of Tulum’s town centre, it is designed to ease congestion from Cancún International and directly serve the growing tourism demand in Tulum, Bacalar, and the Riviera Maya. Opened in December 2023, TQO supports domestic and international operations, especially targeting leisure and eco-tourism traffic.

General Information

Location: Tulum, Quintana Roo
Country: Mexico
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: TQO
ICAO Code: MMTA
Elevation: Approx. 65 feet (20 metres)
Coordinates: 19°04′00″N 87°28′00″W
Timezone: UTC−5 (No Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 25 km (16 miles) southwest of Tulum
Website: aifa.aero
Operator: Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto / SEDENA
Services: Domestic and international passenger flights, general aviation, charter operations

Airport Details

Runways: 1
Runway Designation and Length:
10/28: 3,700 m (12,139 ft) – Concrete
Runway Surface: Concrete
Runway Strength: Supports wide-body aircraft (Code E), including B777 and A330
Fire Services: ARFF Category 9
Tower Frequency: Available
Ground Frequency: Available
Navigation Aids: ILS, VOR/DME, RNAV, GNSS
Customs and Immigration: Available for commercial and private international traffic
Aircraft Types: Narrow-body, wide-body, and business jets
Terminals: 1 modern terminal with capacity for up to 5 million passengers/year
Cargo Facilities: Limited (planned future expansion)
Fuel: JET A-1
FBOs: Available for GA/charter (via military coordination)
Equipment: GPU, potable water, and lavatory services
Ground Services: Basic commercial and private aviation support

Flight Operations

Permit Time: 24–48 hours for international general aviation
Permission Required: Yes, for non-scheduled and foreign-registered aircraft
Slots: Not currently required
Aircraft Types: Code C–E aircraft (B737, A321, B787, etc.)
Alternate Airports:
CUN: Cancún International Airport
CZM: Cozumel International Airport
MID: Mérida International Airport

Contact Information

Enquiries: +52 (55) 5284-0400 (SEDENA contact)
Email: info@aifa.aero
FBO Coordination: Via pre-arranged ground handling agents

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: Passport, Mexican visa (if applicable), FMM (Tourist Card)
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew license/ID, GenDec, visa/FMM if applicable
Transport Options: Taxis, car rentals, hotel shuttles (no direct rail or metro)
Nearby Accommodation:
Near Airport: Jungle Lodge Boutique, Hotel Kaab Tulum (shuttle-based access)
In Tulum Town: Azulik, Hotel Bardo, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN); major cards widely accepted

Local Attractions

Tulum Ruins

Iconic clifftop Mayan ruins with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. One of the only coastal Mayan sites, offering a blend of history, archaeology, and breathtaking scenery.

Cenotes & Eco Parks

Natural limestone sinkholes like Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos offer swimming, snorkeling, and cave diving opportunities in crystal-clear waters.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning tropical forests, wetlands, lagoons, and marine ecosystems. Perfect for birdwatching, kayaking, and eco-tours.

Tulum Beach & Zona Hotelera

Famed for its white-sand beaches, boutique hotels, and bohemian beach clubs. A hotspot for luxury, wellness retreats, and sunset dining.

Coba Ruins

A lesser-known but majestic Mayan site deep in the jungle. Visitors can still climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid—one of the tallest in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Laguna Bacalar

Known as the “Lake of Seven Colours,” this vast freshwater lagoon near Bacalar boasts mesmerising turquoise hues and is ideal for sailing, paddleboarding, and relaxing.

Travel Tips

Best Times to Visit:
Nov–Apr: Dry season with pleasant weather; peak tourist season
May–Oct: Quieter, but also hotter and more humid; possible hurricane risk

Additional Notes:
New infrastructure means modern design, but limited nearby services (plan transport in advance)
TQO is strategically designed to reduce travel time to Tulum’s resorts by up to 2 hours compared to Cancún
Charter and private aviation services require pre-approval and coordination with Mexican authorities.
A military-civilian operated facility—expect high security and efficient control procedures