Cancún Airport Sees Sharp Decline in Passenger Traffic for 2025

Cancún International Airport is seeing fewer travellers this year. Passenger numbers fell by 2.4% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The decline follows a drop in annual traffic from a record high in 2023. The airport hit its peak in 2023 with 32.8 million passengers. But by the end of 2024, that number had fallen to 29.3 million. In April 2025 alone, arrivals dropped by 4.3% from March, reaching just 2.46 million.

International arrivals slipped by 0.7% in early 2025, while domestic travellers fell by 6.8%. Airlines have cut seat capacity by 7% to 10%, partly due to rising jet fuel costs pushing up fares. U.S. tourists, in particular, are travelling less because of inflation at home.

Security concerns have also played a role. After the U.S. government issued travel alerts for Mexico following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera, some holidaymakers chose other destinations. Cancún now faces stronger competition from places like the Dominican Republic, which are attracting more North American visitors. The airport served 10.5 million travellers from January to April 2025, down from the previous year. Higher costs, reduced flight options, and safety worries have all contributed to the decline. Airlines and tourism businesses in the region are now adjusting to the shift in demand.