United Airlines has announced it will terminate all flights to Tulum International Airport (TQO) in early 2027. The decision marks a significant withdrawal from the Mexican Caribbean gateway, which opened in late 2023 to provide a more direct link to the Riviera Maya than Cancun International Airport.

When will the flights stop?

The airline's departure will happen in two stages following the holiday season. The seasonal service from Newark Liberty International Airport is scheduled to make its final flight on January 2, 2027. Shortly after, the year-round nonstop service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston will conclude on January 4, 2027.

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United stated that these changes are part of "regular adjustments" made to flight schedules based on market factors such as seasonality and demand.

Why is United Airlines exiting Tulum?

The exit follows a broader trend of declining interest in the new terminal. While the airport was designed to capture travelers heading to southern resorts, several factors have impacted its growth:

  • Decreasing passenger numbers: Traffic at the airport fell by 33.7% between the first eight months of 2025 and the same period in 2026.
  • Reduced carrier presence: United is the latest major airline to pull out, following JetBlue and Copa Airlines, which have already ended service.
  • Competitive shifts: Other major US carriers like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have also scaled back their operations at the site.

What does this mean for travelers?

For travelers in the United States and Canada, the loss of these routes means fewer nonstop options for reaching the Riviera Maya via TQO. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines remain the only US carriers currently operating at the airport, though both have reduced their previous flight frequencies.

Many travelers may need to return to using Cancun International Airport, located approximately 78 miles north, to maintain frequent flight connections to the region. While United is cutting these Mexican routes, the company is simultaneously expanding its West Coast presence by adding two new transcontinental flights from San Francisco to Virginia.

FAQ

Which United routes are being cancelled?

The airline is ending its seasonal flights from Newark and its year-round service from Houston.

Are other airlines leaving the airport?

Yes, several carriers including JetBlue, Copa Airlines, and Aeroméxico have already ended or reduced their service to Tulum.