Mexico Works to Connect Tepic, Puerto Escondido with EU

The newly formed Grupo Aeroportuario Turístico Mexicano (GATM), in partnership with Aeropuertos Mexicanos (AME), is negotiating with EU airlines to establish flight connections from the European Union to Tepic and Puerto Escondido via Mexico City International Airport (AICM). 

Javier García, CEO, AME, tells A21 that the groups aim to coordinate flight schedules so EU carriers can land at AICM at times that facilitate smooth connections onward to these regional airports. “We are working with airlines to help connect flights coming from Europe; there are many passengers from this continent wanting to reach Puerto Escondido or Tepic,” he says.

The federal government created GATM in 2022 to jointly operate Tepic and Puerto Escondido airports with AME, aiming to increase competitiveness and connectivity. This public-private partnership, involving Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) and Mota Engil, has driven investments of MX$4 billion per airport to upgrade infrastructure. At Tepic, the runway was extended by 1km, the terminal expanded by 20,000m2, and a new 43m control tower was constructed.

Plans also include expanding US and Canadian routes, says García. Tepic aims to add flights to Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, and Californian cities, plus Canadian cities like Calgary, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. Puerto Escondido targets Los Angeles and Miami. Nationally, connections to Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Mexicali are planned.