Introduction to the New Route and Its Operators
On Thursday, Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero, the Governor of Nayarit, officially inaugurated a new route connecting the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in Mexico City to the Aeropuerto Internacional Riviera Nayarit, operated by Viva starting May 1st.
Background on the Airports and Their Investors
The local terminal is undergoing expansion and modernization through a mixed investment between Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) and Aeropuertos Mexicano (AME). Together, they formed the Grupo Aeroportuario Turístico Mexicano (GATM), which also operates the Puerto Escondido airport.
Impact on Tourism and Regional Development
Javier García Bejos, the General Director of AME, emphasized that with Viva’s new service, the airport will host operations from Mexico’s three major airlines. The improved connectivity, combined with the new road development, will stimulate demand and establish the airport as the hub for Nayarit’s Riviera region. Collaboration among airlines, hotels, tourism service providers, entrepreneurs, and the Nayarit Tourism Secretariat is crucial for the airport’s success and regional development.
Viva Airlines’ Role in the New Route
Walfred Castro, Viva’s Director of Communications, expressed excitement about starting operations in Nayarit. He invited locals to enjoy Viva’s services, highlighting comfort, accessibility, and an extensive network connecting them to over 35 domestic and international destinations from AIFA.
Flight Schedule and Connectivity
- Viva began operating flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using an Airbus 320neo with 186 seats.
- The new route not only facilitates travel between Mexico City and the Riviera Nayarit but also connects passengers to other destinations within Viva’s vast network, including Monterrey, Cancún, Ciudad Juárez, Mérida, and Los Cabos.
AME’s Investment and Future Developments
AME has invested over 4,000 million pesos in the airport to accommodate growing domestic and international demand. Once construction is complete, the airport will have the capacity to serve over four million passengers annually.
Furthermore, a significant highway project worth over 10,000 million pesos is underway, connecting the area to the Riviera Nayarit. This development will reduce travel time to 20 minutes, positioning the airport as the Riviera Nayarit’s primary hub. It will attract more airlines and international flights, driving tourism and economic growth.
Support from the Nayarit Tourism Secretariat
Juan Enrique Suárez del Real, Nayarit’s Tourism Secretary, expressed his enthusiasm for the new route and Viva’s partnership. He emphasized that Nayarit now boasts a modern airport, the most advanced on Mexico’s Pacific coast, connecting the region to the world through AIFA and promoting Tepic and Riviera Nayarit as must-visit destinations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is behind the new route? The new route is operated by Viva Airlines, connecting AIFA in Mexico City to the Aeropuerto Internacional Riviera Nayarit.
- What investments are being made in the airport? Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) and Aeropuertos Mexicano (AME) are investing in the airport’s expansion and modernization, with AME contributing over 4,000 million pesos.
- What is the significance of the new highway project? The highway project, valued at over 10,000 million pesos, will improve connectivity to the Riviera Nayarit, reducing travel time to 20 minutes and attracting more airlines and international flights.
- How will this impact tourism in Nayarit? The new route, airport improvements, and highway development are expected to stimulate demand, boost tourism, and drive economic growth in the Nayarit region.
