Air Canada is revising its winter flight schedules to Tulum, a relatively new hotspot in Mexico, adjusting plans that initially marked it as a key destination for vacationers. Flight operations from Ottawa (YOW) and Quebec City (YQB) to Tulum’s recently inaugurated airport (TQO) have been scrapped, despite Air Canada having introduced these routes just last year. Meanwhile, service from Montreal will see a reduction, lowering from five weekly flights to three for the 2025-26 winter season.
Flight Reductions Amidst Increased Capacity
With only the Toronto route remaining unaffected—maintaining four weekly departures—this strategic contraction seems to reflect a broader trend in the airline industry. TQO, which opened its doors in December 2023, was anticipated to draw considerable tourist traffic due to its proximity to the Mayan Riviera, providing a compelling alternative to the busier Cancun airport located further north. However, an excess in airline capacity appears to have outstripped actual demand.
Industry Insights from Air Canada Leaders
Mark Galardo, Air Canada’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, commented during the company’s recent Q1 earnings call on May 9, highlighting the oversaturation in the market. “It’s no secret that the industry in general has put a lot of incremental capacity into Tulum, and you’re beginning to see some carriers rationalizing their routes,” he explained. “There is a lot of fat in that market. We ourselves on Tulum are going to pare back a little bit of our service and really double down on Cancun, which performs quite well for us.”
In addition to scaling back in Tulum, Air Canada is expanding its reach in Mexico by introducing service to Guadalajara (GDL) for the upcoming season. Galardo noted, “We’re very excited about [GDL],” describing it as an area with strong local demand and enhanced opportunities for connecting international travel.
Other Airlines Following Suit
Air Canada’s decision is not an isolated one. United Airlines has also reconsidered its Tulum service, cutting flights from Boston (BOS) to TQO and cancelling previously planned services from Denver. In contrast, WestJet has opted for a more cautious approach, launching its flights between Toronto and Tulum in November 2024 with plans for a twice-weekly service and a weekly flight from Calgary, showcasing a more measured strategy in the winter season.
Conclusion
The shift in Air Canada’s flight operations to Tulum underscores the dynamic nature of the travel industry, particularly in light of fluctuating consumer demand. As airlines reassess their strategies, destinations like Tulum may face challenges ahead while others, such as Guadalajara, are poised for growth. Travellers looking for alternatives to Cancun can continue to explore what Tulum has to offer, but it’s advisable to monitor flight availability and schedules closely.
For more information on Mexico’s aeronautical landscape, explore resources like Guadalajara Airport and Tulum Travel Guide.
