Los Cabos, Baja California Sur – Nestled at Mexico’s southern tip, Los Cabos has long been a magnet for sun-seeking tourists. In the first half of 2025, its gateway to the skies—Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP)—delivered a solid performance: a 2 percent increase in total arrivals versus H1 2024, reinforcing the destination’s upward trajectory.
Passenger Traffic by the Numbers
- Domestic Arrivals: 1,408 (thousands)
- International Arrivals: 2,607 (thousands)
- Overall H1 Growth: +2 percent year-on-year
Breaking that down further:
- Domestic tourism surged 6 percent, driven by strong feeder routes from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
- International traffic held steady, matching 2024’s totals despite a mild slowdown in the U.S. market.
Together, these figures underscore a balanced recovery: local travelers returning in force, and foreign arrivals maintaining last year’s levels.
A Positive Outlook from Airport Leadership
Airport Director Francisco Villaseñor remains optimistic:
“We’re slightly above what we managed last year, and we believe we’ll continue that way for the remainder of the year. We’re seeing a slight slowdown in the American market right now. Remember, the airport’s main traffic is the international segment, but so far, we’re ultimately growing.”
His forecast aligns with the spring and early-summer uptick. In June 2025, Los Cabos recorded a 1.7 percent increase in total terminal passengers compared to June 2024 Stock Titan—a clear sign that passenger demand remains resilient even as North American markets stabilize.
Ranking Among GAP’s Network
GAP operates 14 airports across Mexico and the Caribbean. In H1 2025, Los Cabos climbed to the third-highest in passenger volumes, trailing only Guadalajara and Tijuana. This strong placement reflects:
- Year-round appeal—from whale-watching and deep-sea fishing in winter to beach-hopping in summer.
- Diverse source markets—beyond the U.S., Canada and select European routes are gaining traction.
- Private aviation growth—an upscale segment that delivers high-yield travelers.
What’s Behind the Numbers?
- Infrastructure Enhancements
- GAP’s recent investments in new check-in kiosks and expanded security lanes have cut wait times and improved throughput.
- The rollout of e-gates and mobile boarding passes underpins a more seamless journey.
- Route Expansion
- Airlines like Volaris and Southwest added flights from Nashville and Oakland in early 2025, opening fresh pipelines of visitors.
- Seasonal Surge & Events
- Key events—from the Los Cabos Film Festival to the Baja 1000 off-road race—continue to draw niche audiences.
- Marketing Partnerships
- Collaboration between GAP and the Los Cabos Tourism Board has yielded targeted campaigns in secondary U.S. markets, softening the blow of a modest American slowdown.
Challenges on the Horizon
- U.S. Market Variability: While still dominant, American arrivals have plateaued. Sustained growth may depend on diversifying into Latin American and European feeder markets.
- Capacity Constraints: Peak-season congestion at the Fonatur roundabout and limited apron space could hamper further expansion unless infrastructure projects keep pace.
- Competition for Private Aviation: Other luxury destinations are vying for the high-spend segment—continued service excellence will be critical.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Continued Success
- Resolve Bottlenecks
- Fast-track completion of access-road improvements and consider interim shuttle services to alleviate congestion.
- Expand International Reach
- Incentivize new nonstop routes from under-served regions such as South America and Northern Europe.
- Enhance Passenger Experience
- Roll out a dedicated lounge for private-jet clientele and extend GAP Blue assistance services for travelers with reduced mobility.
Los Cabos International Airport’s 2 percent H1 2025 growth isn’t just a statistic—it’s proof that strategic infrastructure, smart partnerships, and a diversified route network can keep a premier resort destination flying high. As Francisco Villaseñor and his team steer SJD through evolving market dynamics, the focus will be on smoothing the journey, broadening its global appeal, and ensuring that Los Cabos remains one of Mexico’s—and the world’s—most coveted getaways.
