In a recent announcement, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, the Governor of Jalisco, declared the upcoming inauguration of the Chalacatepec International Airport in the Costalegre region of Jalisco, slated to commence operations within the year. This new infrastructure is anticipated to significantly enhance the connectivity of the Costalegre area, a picturesque expanse of coastline extending over 240 kilometers southward from Puerto Vallarta along the Pacific.
The Governor disclosed that a public bidding process for the airport’s operational concession is to be launched this month by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT). Initially conceived as a domestic facility under the jurisdiction of the state, it has since been decided that the airport will operate on an international scale, managed by a designated airport group.
Interest in the tender has been noted from several entities, under the direct supervision of the SICT. Alfaro emphasized the importance of collaboration with airlines in shaping the flight services available post-operation commencement.
Upon its opening, Chalacatepec will mark Jalisco’s third international airport, augmenting the state’s existing airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, which are under the administration of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP). GAP currently manages a portfolio of 12 airports along the Pacific coastline of Mexico.
The development of the airport represents an investment of 62 million pesos (approximately US $3.2 million), designed to support a variety of aircraft sizes. Martín Pablo Zazueta, the head of Guadalajara International Airport, highlighted GAP’s willingness to engage in the concession process for the Chalacatepec terminal, whilst continuing to prioritize their existing airport operations.
Costalegre, the beneficiary region of this project, is known for its idyllic towns and beaches, spanning from Barra de Navidad to Playa Quemada and includes notable destinations such as Melaque, Tenacatita, Costa Careyes, and Chemala. The area, renowned for its exclusive developments like Careyes and Cuixmala, is poised to ascend as a leading Pacific coast destination, characterized by its pristine, yet underexplored beaches.
