In October 2024, Puerto Vallarta International Airport experienced a slight decline in passenger traffic, marking a 0.8% decrease compared to the same month last year. The airport welcomed 433,900 passengers, down from 437,300 in October 2023, according to data released by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).
Despite the monthly dip, the airport has maintained a positive trajectory over the first ten months of the year. Cumulatively, Puerto Vallarta Airport handled 5.526 million passengers from January to October 2024, a modest 0.5% increase from the 5.498 million passengers recorded during the same period in 2023. This positions the airport as the only major national airport within GAP’s network to sustain figures above last year’s levels, albeit by a narrowing margin.
Domestic Flights Surge While International Traffic Declines
Domestic travel to Puerto Vallarta showed robust growth. In October, 231,600 passengers arrived on domestic flights, a significant 9.1% increase from 212,300 in October 2023. This surge continues the upward trend in the domestic market. However, over the first ten months, domestic passenger numbers totaled 2.353 million, which is a 2.3% decrease from the 2.409 million recorded in the same period last year.
On the international front, the airport saw a downturn. International passengers numbered 202,300 in October 2024, a 10.1% drop from 225,000 in October 2023. Despite this monthly decrease, the year-to-date international passenger count reached 3.173 million, up 2.7% from 3.089 million in 2023.
GAP’s Overall Performance and New Routes
Across GAP’s network of 12 Mexican airports, total passenger traffic in October 2024 decreased by 0.4% compared to October 2023. While Guadalajara and Los Cabos airports reported increases of 3.4% and 2.6% respectively, Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta experienced declines of 1.6% and 0.8%.
The volume of seats offered during October decreased by 5.9% compared to the same month last year. Nevertheless, the occupancy factor improved, rising from 82.0% in October 2023 to 86.5% in October 2024, indicating higher demand for the available flights.
To boost connectivity and passenger numbers, several new routes were inaugurated:
- Guadalajara – San José, Costa Rica by Volaris Costa Rica
- Tijuana – Las Vegas by Volaris
- Puerto Vallarta – Prague by World2Fly
- Guanajuato – Felipe Ángeles by Viva Aerobus
These new routes are expected to stimulate passenger traffic in the coming months, potentially offsetting recent declines.
While October’s slight decline raises some concerns, the airport remains optimistic as it enters the high season. The sustained growth in domestic travel and the introduction of new international routes could help Puerto Vallarta International Airport set a new annual record, albeit by a narrow margin. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether the airport can maintain its positive momentum amid fluctuating market conditions.
In October 2024, Puerto Vallarta International Airport experienced a slight decline in passenger traffic, marking a 0.8% decrease compared to the same month last year. The airport welcomed 433,900 passengers, down from 437,300 in October 2023, according to data released by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).
