Tulum’s Airport Controversy: Who Should Run It, the Military or the Travel Industry?

Tucked away in the lush Maya jungle, Tulum is a dream destination for many expats and digital nomads. However, a recent debate is heating up, challenging the status quo of the airport's management. This week, the national president of Mexico's incoming tourism agencies, Sergio E. González Rubiera, publicly argued that the Tulum airport should be run by a private sector council rather than the military. His reasoning? The armed forces lack the expertise to handle commercial tourism infrastructure.

Since September 30, several airlines, including Aeroméxico, have ceased operations at the military-managed airport, leading to a significant drop in passenger traffic. According to official numbers, monthly traffic fell from 107,751 in January to just 47,353 in June. The military operator projects a 93% increase in international operations for the November 2026 to March 2027 cycle, but that's small comfort to those who have seen their schedules stripped down.

González Rubiera pointed out that the airport is designed for security, not sales. He believes the armed forces should not be in charge of promoting a tourism destination. His proposal is for a council that includes private sector representatives, travel agencies, and local authorities to help market the destination more effectively. Currently, the terminal is operating at a disadvantage due to the lack of professional marketing tools and the high cost of ground transportation.