Expansion to Boost Capacity by 130%
The International Airport of Puerto Vallarta is making significant strides in the construction of its New Terminal Building (NTB), currently reporting a 45% completion rate. According to airport director, Cryshtian Amador Lizardi, the new terminal will increase the airport’s operational capacity by 130% to cater to the tourism demand over the next two decades.
A New Airport, Almost
Amador Lizardi explained that while the existing runway will be retained, the terminal, boarding areas, and connecting systems will be entirely new and more efficient. This expansion is part of a 6,000 million peso investment over the 2020-2024 quinquennium, in addition to the 3,600 million pesos announced for the current quinquennium.
Infrastructure Advancements for Enhanced Passenger Experience
The progress in connection infrastructure will directly impact passenger experience, enabling smoother transitions between the terminal and aircraft. The design, handled by architectural firm LBR&A, incorporates cutting-edge technology to manage the projected increase in operations and prepare the airport for the growing tourism demand over the next 20 years.
Passenger Numbers and Market Dynamics
In the first quarter of 2025, the airport facilitated 2.7 million passengers. While domestic travel increased by 15%, international traffic experienced a slight decrease, influenced by current political and economic factors, especially in US routes which account for 26 connections.
Despite this adjustment in foreign flights, the overall passenger count still grew by 2% due to the robust domestic market, according to Amador Lizardi.
Preparing for the Summer Season
Looking ahead, Amador Lizardi highlighted the anticipated rise in both national and international arrivals during the summer season, particularly in July and August when vacation periods peak. He assured that the airport is geared to meet this demand.
To bolster this, the airport is collaborating with airlines to reactivate routes, including potential transatlantic destinations, especially in European countries. In March of this year, the airport announced additional frequencies to Monterrey, and in June, Viva Aerobus will commence a new route to Morelia.
Promoting Tourism and Economic Development
Beyond architectural developments, the airport is actively engaging with sector stakeholders to implement strategies that attract more visitors, emphasizing its role as a gateway to the destination’s future competitiveness and economic development.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current progress of the new terminal construction? The Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Vallarta reports a 45% completion rate for the New Terminal Building (NTB).
- How will the new terminal impact airport operations? The NTB will increase the airport’s operational capacity by 130%, enhancing its ability to cater to the tourism demand over the next 20 years.
- What advancements in infrastructure are being made? Advancements include smoother transitions between the terminal and aircraft, thanks to cutting-edge technology designed by LBR&A.
- How are passenger numbers faring? Despite a slight decrease in international travel, the airport saw a 2% increase in total passengers due to robust domestic travel.
- What strategies is the airport employing to boost tourism? The airport is collaborating with airlines to reactivate routes and working with sector stakeholders to implement strategies that attract more visitors.
