New International Routes Expand Querétaro’s Global Connectivity
Querétaro, Mexico: The Querétaro International Airport (AIQ) is set to introduce new international flight routes, including a connection to Los Angeles, California, starting in July. The Mexican state’s Secretary of Sustainable Development, Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, announced that Volaris will operate three weekly flights to Los Angeles.
Current International Flights
The AIQ currently offers various international destinations, with plans to expand further. In addition to the upcoming Los Angeles route, negotiations are underway for a flight to Panamá, aiming to strengthen connections with Central and South American regions.
Copa Airlines Connection
Del Prete Tercero explained that the goal is to establish a connection between Querétaro and South America through Copa Airlines, which has a reputation as the hub of the Americas. This would enable direct flights to Central and South America, eliminating the need for layovers in Miami or Panama City.
Panama City Flight Viability
To assess the feasibility of a Panama City flight, the state government has already met with Copa Airlines executives. They aim to present a strong business case, demonstrating market demand for travel between Querétaro and South America via Panama City.
Querétaro-Las Vegas Flight Analysis
In addition to the Panama City route, authorities will also evaluate the possibility of establishing a flight between Querétaro and Las Vegas, Nevada. This potential connection would cater more to leisure travelers.
Market Studies for New Flights
Del Prete Tercero emphasized the importance of conducting market research to ensure the viability of new routes. This approach was successfully applied when securing the Madrid flight operated by Iberojet, starting in October. The studies analyze passenger data and travel trends within a 50-kilometer and 200-kilometer radius around the airport.
AIQ Passenger Data
In the first quarter of 2025, AIQ transported 162,008 international passengers, accounting for 30% of the total traveler flow. On average, the airport moves approximately 54,002 international passengers each month, according to data from the State Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).
Key Questions and Answers
- What new international routes will be added to AIQ? Querétaro International Airport (AIQ) will introduce flights to Los Angeles, California, operated by Volaris, with three weekly departures. Negotiations are also ongoing for a flight to Panamá City.
- Why is Copa Airlines being considered for a connection to South America? Copa Airlines, known as the hub of the Americas, offers direct flights to Central and South America. This would eliminate the need for layovers in Miami or Panama City, making travel more efficient.
- How will the viability of new flights be determined? Market research and passenger data analysis will be conducted to ensure sufficient demand for new routes, similar to the approach taken when securing the Madrid flight with Iberojet.
- What is the current passenger volume at AIQ? In the first quarter of 2025, AIQ transported 162,008 international passengers, representing 30% of the total traveler flow. On average, the airport moves around 54,002 international passengers monthly.
