In a press conference, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) presented a detailed review of the performance of Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), highlighting its post-pandemic recovery, the challenges in commercial operations, and the ambitious expansion plans for the 2025-2029 period, with an investment of nearly 7 billion pesos, the largest in its history.

Air Traffic: Highlights and Shadows

Francisco Villaseñor Reyes, Director of Los Cabos International Airport, revealed that although the airport exceeded 51,000 commercial operations in 2023 (compared to 40,000 in 2019), it registered a 4.7% decrease in 2024 (49,000 operations). However, general aviation—key to this luxury destination—grew 9.6%, with 1,590 additional flights.

Volaris consolidated its position as the leading commercial operator (15.3% of traffic), displacing American Airlines (14.7%) and Viva Aerobus (12.6%). However, Volaris faced a 17.3% reduction in passengers (265,000 fewer) due to adjustments to its Airbus fleet, while airlines such as Viva and Alaska reported increases.

In the first quarter of 2025, a slight recovery was observed: Volaris grew 2.9%, although American Airlines reduced flights by 15%. The Canadian market, with airlines such as WestJet and Air Canada, is gaining importance, offsetting the departure of others such as Flair.

Passengers and Key Markets

In 2024, the airport handled 7.4 million passengers (3% fewer than in 2023). The domestic market represents 38.5% of the total, followed by the United States (4.9%) and Canada (4.9%). The Mexico City-Los Cabos route is the most in-demand (11% of traffic), while destinations like Vancouver are emerging strongly.

Million-dollar investment: Terminal 2 as the linchpin

The 2025-2029 master plan includes:

• A 37% square footage expansion of Terminal 2, which will accommodate all domestic traffic (currently in Terminal 1), unifying the travel experience.
• 7 new boarding gates (33% more) and self-service check-in technology.
• 52% more aprons and road reconfiguration to reduce congestion.
• A new VIP lounge and modernized baggage claim.

These works aim to increase capacity in response to a projected 10 million passengers annually, consolidating SJD as a tourist hub compared to competitors like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.

Quality and sustainability

The airport maintains international standards:

• Certification in carbon footprint reduction and accessibility.
• 4.28/5 in satisfaction (according to ACI), with regional recognition.
• 84% of lost items returned in 2024, and unclaimed items were donated to local communities.

Challenges: Wildlife and Connectivity

The wildlife control program—within a 13-km radius—reported six bird strikes on aircraft in 2024, with no damage. Additionally, efforts are underway to attract new routes (e.g., Boston or Philadelphia), although it is acknowledged that projects such as the Condor flight (Germany) took years to materialize.

Los Cabos is undergoing an unprecedented transformation: while adjusting operations to market fluctuations, its commitment to infrastructure and service is shaping it as a benchmark in tourism aviation. With an economic impact of thousands of jobs and a passenger-centric vision, the airport looks to the future with an integrated terminal and cutting-edge technology.