Fuel Cost Increase Leads to Temporary Suspension of Three Morelia Flights
The increase in fuel costs resulting from the international conflict in the Middle East has led to the temporary suspension of three air routes from Morelia International Airport beginning in October, according to the Michoacán Secretariat of Tourism.
The agency explained that Volaris will suspend flights connecting Morelia with Mexicali, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo as part of an operational adjustment. Officials emphasized that the decision is the result of circumstances affecting the global airline industry, not just Michoacán.
“There is a global problem caused by the war between Iran and the United States, which has increased fuel costs in a way no one expected. Flights have been reduced across the country, and even in the United States an entire airline collapsed. Michoacán is not the only case.”
Routes Expected to Return During Peak Season
The Secretariat of Tourism stated that Volaris has indicated the routes are being temporarily suspended rather than permanently canceled, raising expectations that service could resume during the December holiday travel season.
The airline also plans to increase frequencies on certain routes to the United States, which currently show the strongest passenger demand and profitability.
Officials acknowledged that the suspension will affect the state’s air connectivity, particularly the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo route, which had been promoted because of its tourism potential for Michoacán.
Regarding passenger demand, the agency noted that the Puerto Vallarta route had maintained strong traffic, while Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo experienced lower demand. However, officials stressed that passenger numbers were not the sole reason for the suspension.
They explained that Volaris operates Airbus A320 aircraft, meaning the airline does not have smaller-capacity aircraft that would allow it to continue operating those routes efficiently with fewer passengers.
Source: mimorelia
