Spirit Airlines Joins Delta In Planning Flights To New Mexican Airport

spirit a320s
Credit: Joe Pries Aviation

ULCC Spirit Airlines has become the second U.S. carrier to unveil planned flights to Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO)—the new airport in Tulum, Mexico, set to open in December 2023.

Spirit will join Delta Air Lines in starting service to the airport when TQO begins accepting international flights in March 2024. From March 28, 2024, Spirit will launch daily service to TQO from two Florida airports: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

FLL is Spirit’s home base. The carrier is an all-Airbus A320 family aircraft operator.

TQO, a leisure destination located about 85 mi. south of Cancun, will see domestic flights begin in December. Spirit and Delta will be the first carriers to offer international service starting March 28.

"Tulum is an increasingly popular choice for leisure travelers, and our direct flights from Florida will make a getaway to Mexico's enchanting coastline more accessible than ever, just in time for spring break," Spirit's Vice President for Network Planning John Kirby says in a statement. "We have a long history of serving Mexico, and Tulum's new airport is a great addition that will make it easier for our [passengers] to get to the city and enjoy its beaches, history and variety of unique experiences."

Tulum will become the 26th international destination Spirit serves from FLL. It will be the 11th international route Spirit operates from MCO.

Delta previously revealed it will launch daily Boeing 737-800 service between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and TQO from March 28, 2024. The SkyTeam carrier describes Tulum as “a premium leisure destination known for its boutique hotels, Mayan ruins and eco-friendly spirit.”

Aaron Karp

Aaron Karp is a Contributing Editor to the Aviation Week Network.