American Airlines adds two daily Chicago–Puerto Vallarta flights and Air Canada introduces daily Vancouver service for winter 2025–26, enhancing connectivity and supporting local tourism growth.
American Airlines and Air Canada are gearing up to meet surging demand for warm-weather getaways by expanding their service to Puerto Vallarta during the 2025–2026 winter season. The move comes in response to growing interest from travellers in the United States and Canada who are looking to trade snow and ice for the Pacific coast’s sandy beaches, vibrant culture and year-round sunshine.
Beginning December 18, 2025, American Airlines will operate two daily round-trip flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, doubling its current schedule for that key market. The additional service will run through January 6, 2026, ensuring travellers can plan mid-winter escapes and holiday-season visits with greater flexibility. Chicago joins Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles and Phoenix as origin cities served by American Airlines to Puerto Vallarta, making the carrier one of the most prominent foreign operators at the destination airport.
Air Canada, meanwhile, is responding to strong growth from its West Coast market by introducing daily flights from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta for the entire winter season. The Vancouver route had been limited to a handful of weekly flights in recent years, but will now run seven days a week from early December through March, giving Canadian holidaymakers more options to explore Puerto Vallarta’s historic Old Town, beachfront resorts and culinary scene. This enhanced connectivity aligns with data from the Jalisco Tourism Secretariat indicating that travellers from Canada have been among the fastest-growing contingents of international visitors.
According to Jalisco Tourism Secretariat figures, Puerto Vallarta welcomed more than 2.5 million international tourists in 2024, with a notable uptick in arrivals from both the United States and Canada. Cruise ship tourism also remains robust; the first four months of 2025 saw 76 vessels disembark 237,000 passengers, generating over 412 million pesos in economic impact. Air-lift improvements are expected to complement this momentum, directing even more high-spending visitors to the region.
Local hoteliers and tour operators have greeted the news with optimism. “We’ve been preparing for a record winter season all year long,” said María Elena Torres, general manager of Hotel Vista Marina. “The additional flights from Chicago and Vancouver will help fill rooms at our Riviera Nayarit-facing property—and we’re already seeing more early bookings than ever before.” Restaurants, beach clubs and small-business tour operators have similarly reported increased inquiries, particularly for holiday‐season weeks.
The economic boost from these new flight frequencies will extend beyond the hospitality sector. Ground transportation providers, artisanal markets and local event planners stand to benefit as well. “More flights mean more options for travellers, but it also means more opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” observed Javier Sandoval, president of the Puerto Vallarta Tour Operator Association. “Whether it’s zip-lining in the Sierra Madre, boat tours to the Marietas Islands or tequila-tasting experiences in nearby Tequila, the entire tourism ecosystem wins.”
Despite encouraging growth, industry observers caution that demand may be sensitive to factors such as fuel costs, exchange‐rate fluctuations and global economic conditions. Nevertheless, Puerto Vallarta has maintained steady appeal thanks to its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and modern amenities. Annual events like the Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival and the Gourmet Festival typically draw additional crowds, further justifying the expansion of air services.
With winter 2025–2026 still several months away, airlines and local businesses are finalizing promotional campaigns to capture the attention of sun-seekers. American Airlines is planning holiday-themed package deals that bundle flights with discounted car rentals and hotel stays, while Air Canada has hinted at loyalty-program incentives, including bonus Aeroplan points for flights to Mexico’s west coast.
As flight schedules are published in the coming weeks, travel agents and online booking platforms will begin advertising itineraries to meet pre-holiday demand. Travellers keen to secure the best fares are advised to book early, particularly for peak travel dates around Christmas and New Year’s. With expanded airlift capacity and comprehensive travel options, winter may prove yet another record season for Puerto Vallarta’s tourism industry.
American Airlines adds two daily Chicago–Puerto Vallarta flights and Air Canada introduces daily Vancouver service for winter 2025–26, enhancing connectivity . . .
