ASUR Reports Record Passenger Traffic for August 2025, Driving Tourism Growth Across Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia: What You Need to Know

Published on
September 9, 2025

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), a leading international airport operator with concessions in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, reported a 0.6 percent increase in total passenger traffic for August 2025, reaching six million passengers. This growth was driven by significant rises in passenger traffic in Puerto Rico and Colombia, while Mexicosaw a slight decline. These numbers underscore the importance of air travel for tourism growth across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Growth in Puerto Rico and Colombia’s Tourism

Passenger traffic in Puerto Rico surged by 4.6 percent year-over-year, as both international and domestic travel saw increases. San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport recorded impressive growth, with international traffic rising by 13.7 percent, highlighting the growing interest in Puerto Rico tourism as a destination for both leisure and business travel. The increase in traffic is attributed to Puerto Rico’s expanding tourism offerings, including cultural and natural attractions that appeal to a broad range of visitors.

Similarly, Colombia experienced a 2.7 percent increase in passenger traffic for August, with international traffic growing by 12.8 percent. The country continues to gain momentum as a tourism hotspot in Latin America, with Medellín and Rionegro seeing significant increases in both international and domestic travelers. Colombia’s vibrant culture, rich history, and biodiversity are major draws for global visitors, boosting the region’s tourism sector.

Slight Decline in Mexico’s Passenger Traffic

While Mexico saw a slight decrease in passenger traffic of 1.6 percent in August 2025, it remains a top tourism destination. The Cancun International Airport continues to be one of the busiest airports in the region, with Cozumel and Merida also experiencing positive growth in domestic traffic. Mexico’s tourism remains strong, especially with its beach destinations, cultural hubs, and UNESCO World Heritage sites attracting millions of tourists annually. However, the decrease in passenger numbers reflects broader trends in international travel, including changing travel preferences and regional economic factors.

Key Airport Highlights for August 2025

ASUR’s network of airports plays a significant role in boosting regional tourism:

• Mexico: The Cancun International Airport, which is the primary gateway for international tourists to Mexico, saw a slight drop in passenger numbers, with international traffic declining by 0.4 percent. However, destinations like Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Merida experienced growth, contributing to the diversity of travel options within Mexico.
• Puerto Rico: San Juan Airport had a stellar month, with international traffic increasing by 13.7 percent. The increase in air travel to Puerto Rico reflects the island’s growing importance as a Caribbean tourism destination, known for its beaches, historic sites, and vibrant culture.
• Colombia: With a 12.8 percent increase in international traffic, Colombia’s airports, particularly in Rionegro and Medellín, continue to attract tourists seeking the country’s beautiful landscapes and burgeoning cities.

The Role of ASUR in Boosting Tourism Across the Americas

ASUR operates sixteen airports across the Americas, playing a vital role in supporting regional tourism. By managing high-traffic airports in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, ASUR facilitates the easy movement of millions of travelers each year. These airports are critical to the economic development of their respective regions, offering enhanced connectivity and promoting local tourism industries.

In particular, ASUR’s partnership with Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has been a model of successful public-private collaboration, helping to modernize the airport and boost tourism on the island. ASUR’s investment in infrastructure and passenger services is crucial in ensuring that these destinations remain competitive in the global tourism market.

The Future of Tourism in Latin America and the Caribbean

The growth in passenger traffic across ASUR’s airports is a positive indicator for the future of tourism in the Americas. While Mexico faced a slight decline in passenger numbers, both Puerto Rico and Colombia saw robust increases in air travel, suggesting that these regions are becoming increasingly attractive to international tourists. The continued expansion of international flights and improved airport facilities will likely further enhance tourism opportunities in these countries.

With increasing air connectivity and the rise of new tourism destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean, travelers can look forward to an array of exciting, diverse experiences. From the beaches of Cancun to the historic streets of San Juan and the vibrant cities of Colombia, ASUR is poised to support the region’s growth as a leading hub for international tourism.