New Madrid-Guanajuato Flight to Boost Spanish Tourism
Following a working visit at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) in Madrid, Air Europa will launch a new route connecting Madrid and Guanajuato. The flight will initially operate with two weekly frequencies, offering an estimated annual capacity of 61,000 seats.
Expected Increase in Spanish Tourists
With conservative occupancy rates of 85%, approximately 52,000 passengers are anticipated on this flight. At least 40% of these passengers will be Spanish tourists, resulting in an immediate increase of over 21% in the number of Spanish visitors during the first year of operation. The elimination of layovers and reduced travel times will contribute to this growth.
Furthermore, European tourism is projected to grow by 22% as Madrid serves as a hub for connecting other markets such as France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
Guanajuato’s Tourism Performance
In 2025, Guanajuato welcomed 23.8 million visitors and generated over 57 billion pesos in economic impact. Spain is the second-largest source of tourists for Guanajuato, with more than 201,000 Spanish tourists generating a 475 million pesos economic impact, according to Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo.
During Fitur, Guanajuato secured 414 business meetings, established 32 strategic international alliances, and secured 74 interviews with national and international media outlets.
Domestic Market Expansion
The International Airport of El Bajío will also introduce a new direct route connecting Guanajuato with Puebla City, operated by Volaris, starting June 1, 2026. The flight will run four times a week.
Volaris’ Commitment to Guanajuato
“Expanding routes is part of our strategy to offer more travel alternatives in economically active markets,” said Holger Blankenstein, Volaris’ Executive Vice President. “Volaris is establishing this connection between El Bajío and Puebla to promote regional and national development.”
“Volaris’ alliance and trust in Guanajuato confirm that our state is a solid and competitive tourism destination,” stated María Guadalupe Robles León, Secretary of Tourism and Identity of the State of Guanajuato. “This collaboration strengthens the Aeropuerto del Bajío as a strategic international point, capable of attracting more visitors, generating greater economic impact, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism directly reach Guanajuato’s families and communities.”
“The new Volaris Bajío-Puebla route reinforces Guanajuato’s connectivity and aligns perfectly with the State Tourism Program, as opening flights opens opportunities, markets, and new paths for more visitors to reach our communities,” she added.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the new route and who operates it? The new route connects Madrid and Guanajuato, operated by Air Europa.
- When will the new route begin and how often will it fly? The new route will start on an unspecified date, initially operating with two weekly frequencies.
- How many passengers are expected on this new flight? With conservative occupancy rates of 85%, approximately 52,000 passengers are anticipated on this flight.
- What is the projected increase in Spanish tourists? The new route is expected to immediately increase the number of Spanish visitors by over 21% during its first year of operation.
- What other markets will benefit from this new connection? European tourism is projected to grow by 22% as Madrid serves as a hub for connecting other markets such as France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
- What is the new domestic route and when will it begin? The new domestic route connects Guanajuato with Puebla City, operated by Volaris, starting June 1, 2026. The flight will run four times a week.
- Why is Volaris expanding its operations in Guanajuato? Volaris sees Guanajuato as a solid and competitive tourism destination, aiming to promote regional and national development.
