Another Yucatan Airport To Rival Cancun and Tulum with U.S. Flights Launch in 2025

Yucatan Peninsula is going to have another airport for international flights, starting with the United States.

Chichen Itza International Airport, located in Kaua, Yucatan, Mexico is going to start receiving its first commercial U.S. flights in 2025. So far, this airport was simply serving private flights, with its single concrete runway and a passenger terminal with only basic amenities.

However, starting 2025, Chichen Itza airport will rival the airports of Tulum and Cancun, as per the airport’s director, Jose Miguel Garcia Vales.

Proximity to Archaeological Sites

The benefit of using Chichen Itza airport directly, rather than flying into Tulum or Cancun is that you’ll land only ten minutes away from the archaeological site which is the main attraction here. Chichen Itza was a major center of the Mayan civilization from 750 AD to 1200 AD, with a population of 35,000. You’ll see a blend of architectural styles here, reflecting Mayan and Central Mexican culture. Some of the architectural highlights here include:

• El Castillo—the Temple of Kukulcan.
• The Great Ball Court.
• El Caracol—an astronomical observatory.
• The Sacred Cenote—a sinkhole used for rituals.

Proximity to Other Destinations

In addition to gaining faster access to these archaeological sites, tourists using Chichen Itza airport will also gain access to the following destinations:

• Valladolid, a city with beautiful colonial architecture, is only 28 minutes away.
• Izamal, the yellow city, with a blend of Mayan/Colonial architecture, is one hour away.
• Merida, the capital of Yucatan, built on Mayan ruins, is 1.30 hours away.
• Progreso, a port with beaches and cruise lines, is two hours away.
• Cancun, a resort with beaches and nightlife is a 1.40 hours away.

Mayan Train and Tulum Airport

Another great way to get around to and from Chichen Itza is via the Mayan train or Tren Maya. This train has just become fully operational in December 2024 and links cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, Merida and Chetumal. It covers 1,554 km.

Tulum airport, which just became operational in December 2023 is also a good way to reach Chichen Itza. Once you land at Tulum, Chichen Itza is only a 2—2 1/2 hour drive away. This airport has a runway of 3,700 meters which means that large aircrafts can land here. You can also get taxis, shuttles and private transfers here.