Another airport in Yucatan to rival Cancun and Tulum with US flights launching in 2025

The Yucatan Peninsula will get a new airport for international flights, starting with the United States.

Chichen Itza International Airport, located in Kaua, Yucatan, Mexico, will receive its first commercial U.S. flights in 2025. Until now, this airport only served private flights, with its single concrete runway and a passenger terminal with only basic facilities.

However, from 2025, Chichen Itza airport will do so compete with Tulum and Cancun airportsThis was reported by the director of the airport, Jose Miguel Garcia Vales.

Proximity to archaeological sites

The benefit of direct use of Chichen Itza AirportInstead of flying to Tulum or Cancun, you land just ten minutes away from the archaeological site that is the main attraction here. Chichen Itza was an important center of the Mayan civilization from 750 AD to 1200 AD, with a population of 35,000. Here you’ll see a mix of architectural styles, reflecting Mayan and Central Mexican culture. Some of the architectural highlights here include:

• El Castillo – the temple of Kukulcan.
• The Great Ball Field.
• El Caracol – an astronomical observatory.
• The Sacred Cenote – a sinkhole used for rituals.

Proximity to other destinations

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

• Valladolid, a city of beautiful colonial architecture, is just 28 minutes away.
• Izamal, the yellow city, with a mix of Mayan/colonial architecture, is an hour’s drive away.
• Merida, the capital of Yucatan, built on Mayan ruins, is a 1.30-hour drive away.
• Progreso, a port with beaches and cruise lines, is a two-hour drive away.
• Cancun, a seaside resort with beaches and nightlife, is a 1.40-hour drive away.

Mayan Train and Tulum Airport

Another great way to travel to and from Chichen Itza is via the Mayan Train or Tren Maya. This train just became fully operational in December 2024 and connects cities such as 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 in Tulum, Chichen Itza is only a 2 to 2.5 hour drive away. This airport has a runway of 3,700 meters, allowing large aircraft to land here. You can also get taxis, shuttles and private transfers here.