In a move reflecting lower-than-expected demand, Air Canada has significantly reduced its flight schedule to Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport in Tulum for the 2025-2026 winter season.
The Canadian carrier has canceled flights from Ottawa and Quebec City, which were introduced last year following the airport’s opening in December 2023. Additionally, it will decrease frequency on Montreal flights from five to three weekly services. Toronto, however, will retain its current schedule with four weekly departures to the new Riviera Maya airport.
Air Canada executives attributed the decision to an oversupply of seats in the Tulum market, stating that the company’s strategy will shift towards Cancún, a destination that is reportedly performing well. “There’s a lot of fat in that market,” said Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer.
The move is not unique to Air Canada. United Airlines has also scaled back its operations in Tulum by eliminating service from Boston and canceling plans to fly from Denver. Copa Airlines and Avianca withdrew their connections from Panama and Colombia, respectively, earlier this year.
In contrast, WestJet has opted for a more measured approach. Starting in November 2024, the airline will offer flights from Toronto twice a week and once a week from Calgary, maintaining its schedule through the upcoming winter season.
Air Canada’s introduction of a new route from Toronto to Tulum at the beginning of May had sparked optimism about increased visitor numbers from Canada to the Riviera Maya region. However, the reduced flight schedule has dampened these hopes, according to David Ortiz Mena, president of the Tulum Hotel Association.
The development is likely to have far-reaching implications for tourism operators in the area and may prompt a reassessment of marketing strategies by local authorities.
Source: Reportur
