Summary: Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport in Mérida recorded a 12.9% passenger increase to more than 357,000 in the latest reporting period. Domestic traffic rose 13.4% while international arrivals climbed 9.7%, underpinning a broader surge in Yucatán tourism bolstered by major infrastructure investments.

Mérida’s Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport has emerged as Mexico’s fastest-growing major airport, helping to accelerate tourism across Yucatán. The airport recorded more than 357,000 total passengers in the initial 2026 reporting period, a 12.9 percent rise from just over 316,000 a year earlier.

Record Passenger Surge

The growth at Mérida was driven primarily by domestic travel, which expanded 13.4 percent as domestic passengers increased to more than 315,000 from a previous figure of just over 278,000. This rise reflects stronger connectivity to major Mexican cities and growing interest among local travellers in Yucatán’s cultural and natural attractions.

International arrivals also rose, increasing 9.7 percent to exceed 41,000 passengers compared with under 38,000 in the prior reporting period. The uptick points to expanding interest from the United States and other overseas markets in Yucatán’s archaeological sites and cultural offerings.

Domestic Connectivity Boosts Local Economies

Stronger domestic routes have made Mérida more accessible for travellers seeking alternatives to crowded coastal destinations. The 13.4 percent domestic increase is translating into more tourism-related employment and revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and tour operators.

  • Total passengers: More than 357,000 (12.9% year-over-year growth)
  • Domestic passengers: More than 315,000 (13.4% increase)
  • International passengers: Over 41,000 (9.7% increase)
Passengers and aircraft at Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport terminal in Mérida, highlighting Yucatán airport growth
Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport in Mérida has expanded connectivity, supporting rising visitor numbers to Yucatán

Infrastructure Investments and Capacity Expansion

Yucatán authorities have committed substantial funding to modernize the airport, with plans that include doubling capacity to handle millions of passengers annually. These works are complemented by broader projects such as integration with the Mayan Train and improvements to multimodal links like Progreso Port.

Grupo ASUR, which manages the facility, reports passenger trends at Mérida that outperform many of its network peers. The airport’s performance is encouraging low-cost carriers to consider new routes and is expected to further diversify Yucatán’s tourism economy.

Rising International Appeal

Although international numbers remain smaller than domestic traffic, the near 10 percent rise signals growing interest from abroad. Proximity to sites such as Chichén Itzá and Mérida’s cultural attractions positions the airport as a direct gateway for international visitors, reducing the need to transfer through Cancún.

Officials expect that improved airlift and terminal modernization will shorten travel times to key destinations, encourage longer stays and distribute visitor pressure more evenly across the region and seasons.

Economic and Sustainable Impacts

The airport’s 12.9 percent growth is expected to stimulate employment across hospitality and tour services while government plans emphasize eco-friendly development to protect cenotes, biodiversity and Mayan heritage. Stakeholders highlight sustainable practices to manage visitor flows and promote off-peak travel.

Why this matters: Enhanced connectivity through Mérida airport reshapes travel patterns in Mexico, elevating Yucatán from a regional alternative to a primary cultural and eco-tourism destination. For travellers, this means more direct flight options, shorter transfer times and easier access to inland attractions beyond the coast.