Cancún Airport Faces First Passenger Decline in Years Amid Rising Costs

Cancún International Airport has seen a drop in passenger numbers for the first time in years. In April 2025 alone, arrivals fell by 4.3% compared to the previous month, continuing a downward trend. The decline follows record-breaking traffic in 2023, when the airport handled 32.8 million travellers. The airport’s struggles began in late 2024, with annual traffic slipping to 29.3 million passengers. From January to April 2025, total traveller numbers reached 10.5 million—a 2.4% decrease from the same period in 2024. International arrivals also dipped by 0.7% in the first four months of the year, while domestic passenger figures fell more sharply, dropping by 6.8%.

Several factors have contributed to the decline. Rising jet fuel costs have pushed up airfares, making holidays less affordable for many. U.S. tourists, in particular, are cutting back on trips due to inflation at home, prompting airlines to reduce seat capacity by 7% to 10%. Security concerns have added to the problem, with U.S. government travel alerts for Mexico discouraging potential visitors.

Cancún also faces growing competition from other destinations. The Dominican Republic, for example, has reported strong growth in tourist numbers, drawing travellers away from Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The airport’s passenger numbers have now fallen for two consecutive years. With fewer flights, higher costs, and safety worries affecting travel plans, the trend shows little sign of reversing soon. The drop in visitors marks a shift from Cancún’s peak in 2023, when it was one of the world’s busiest leisure hubs.