Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) recently held the 2024 Advisory Commission session for the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, highlighting a 3.7% increase in international passenger traffic and significant progress on the construction of the New Terminal Building (NET).
During the first nine months of the year, the airport serviced over 5 million passengers—a 0.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. International traffic accounted for nearly 3 million passengers, underscoring Puerto Vallarta’s growing appeal as a global destination.
Major Investments in Infrastructure
GAP presented a summary of the investments made under the Master Development Plan. In 2024 alone, approximately 1.944 billion pesos are slated for investment, bringing the total to over 6 billion pesos for the 2020-2024 five-year period. These funds are directed toward enhancing airport capacity, efficiency, and passenger experience.
Cryshtian Amador Lizardi, Director of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, provided details on the NET—the most significant project of this period. “The New Airport Terminal will encompass nearly 75,000 square meters. Combined with the existing terminal, the total area will reach 118,000 square meters. This expansion will offer a larger and more modern airport with more agile processes, contributing to a more comfortable experience for passengers,” he stated.
Upgrades to Airside Operations
Significant enhancements have been made to the airside of the airport. These include:
- Runway Rehabilitation: Ensuring safer and more efficient takeoffs and landings.
- Expansion of the Commercial Platform: An additional 20,000 square meters to accommodate more aircraft.
- New Connecting Taxiway: Improving aircraft movement on the ground.
- Acquisition of Mechanical Aerocar Equipment: Upgrading ground support for aircraft handling.
Advancements in Passenger Processing
Terminal 1 has seen investments in process automation to expedite passenger flow:
- Remodeled Inspection Point: Equipped with e-gates for swift boarding pass verification.
- Installation of 10 Autonomous Immigration Filter Modules: Designed to expedite travelers through the immigration area.
Enhanced Connectivity
The airport has significantly improved its connectivity ahead of the winter season, now offering flights to 57 destinations:
- Domestic: 13 destinations across Mexico.
- Canada: 17 destinations.
- United States: 26 destinations, including new connections to Kansas City, Sacramento, St. Louis, and New York.
- Europe: 1 destination, with a new route to Prague.
- Other Additions: A new connection to Bagotville.
Community Initiatives by Fundación GAP
GAP also presented the achievements of Fundación GAP, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education over the past decade through initiatives like GAP Schools and Community Training Centers (CCF). In Puerto Vallarta, the CCF enrolled 7,001 students in 2023, offering free courses in areas such as educational development, hospitality, aeronautics, and trade skills to members of the airport community.
Looking Ahead
With these developments, Puerto Vallarta International Airport is poised to offer enhanced services and facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The airport’s expansion and modernization efforts reflect its commitment to providing a world-class travel experience while supporting the region’s economic growth.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico—Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) recently held the 2024 Advisory Commission session for the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, highlighting a 3.7% increase in international passenger traffic and significant progress on the construction of the New Terminal Building (NET).
