Acapulco International Airport

Acapulco International Airport, officially named after General Juan N. Álvarez, is the aerial gateway to one of Mexico's most famous resorts. Located in a unique setting between the Tres Palos Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean, it welcomes travelers with picturesque views even before landing. The airport plays a key role in the region's tourism, receiving flights from cities in Mexico, the USA, and Canada. It is a modern and vital transport hub on the country's southern Pacific coast.

Acapulco Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable start and end to their journey. The recently renovated terminal includes VIP lounges, various shops, restaurants, currency exchange points, and ATMs. The air hub is certified to handle large aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, highlighting its significance and potential for future growth. For passenger convenience, various modes of transport to the city are available, including taxis and collective vans, allowing for a quick and hassle-free transfer to the hotels and beaches of this legendary resort.

Below is the essential contact information for Acapulco International Airport (ACA), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential issues.

• Official Website: https://www.oma.aero/es/aeropuertos/acapulco/
• Information Desk Phone: +52 (744) 466 9446
• Airport Address: Plan de los Amates S/N, C.P. 39931, Acapulco de Juárez, Guerrero, México
• Email: To contact the administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages of the management company OMA on social networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost and Found: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the airport's lost and found office. If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Customer Support: For general inquiries and assistance, you may contact the main airport information desk phone number.

Reaching Acapulco International Airport (ACA), the resort's main air hub, is possible via several methods. The airport is located approximately 26 kilometers from the main tourist areas, and the journey from the center of Acapulco usually takes from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Although there are other airports in the region, such as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, it is located at a significant distance (over 200 km), making ACA the most convenient and logical choice for travelers.

Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most popular and comfortable way to reach the city. The official "Transporte Terrestre" taxi system operates directly at the airport. To avoid inflated prices and ensure your safety, it is recommended to purchase a trip ticket at the special counter in the arrivals hall, rather than negotiating with private drivers. The cost of the trip is fixed and depends on your hotel zone. A trip will cost approximately 30–50 USD. You can also pre-book a transfer through your hotel or an online service, which is particularly convenient for families with children and large groups.

For the most budget-conscious travelers, there is public transport. In Mexico, route taxis known as "colectivos" are popular. This is the most economical option, but it may prove inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage. These minibuses run along the main coastal highway but typically do not have a direct route to the terminal. You will likely need to transfer or take a taxi for the final stretch. This method is more suitable for experienced tourists without bulky luggage.

Car rental offers maximum freedom of movement, which is ideal if you plan to explore not only the city itself but also its picturesque surroundings. Acapulco Airport hosts representatives from many major international and local rental companies. The road from the airport to the city is well-marked and easy to navigate. For those arriving in their own or rented car, the airport provides convenient parking, where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Acapulco International Airport (ACA), also known as General Juan N. Álvarez Airport, was completely modernized in 2018. Today, all passenger flights—both domestic and international—are serviced in one modern terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation and makes the airport experience comfortable and intuitive.

The terminal structure is logical and meets international standards. It is divided into two main levels:

• Upper Level (Departures/Salidas): Here you will find airline check-in counters where you can check in your luggage and receive your boarding pass. After registration, you proceed to the security checkpoint, beyond which lies a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates, Duty-Free shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• Lower Level (Arrivals/Llegadas): All passengers arrive here. This level houses baggage claim carousels, the customs control zone for international flights, and the main arrivals hall. In the arrivals hall, you will find car rental counters, official taxi services, and tourist information points.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, there is no need to transfer between terminals. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion. Passing through all pre-flight formalities typically does not take much time thanks to the terminal's modern equipment. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient for a calm check-in and security screening even during peak season.

For easy navigation through the airport, simply follow the signs, which are duplicated in Spanish and English. The compact size and thoughtful layout make Acapulco airport one of the most convenient in Mexico, allowing travelers to avoid the stress associated with moving through large and confusing airport complexes.

The history of Acapulco International Airport (ACA), officially bearing the name of General Juan N. Álvarez, is closely intertwined with the transformation of Acapulco into one of the world's most famous resorts. The airport opened in 1953, right at the beginning of the city's "Golden Age," when it became a favorite vacation spot for Hollywood stars and the global elite. At that time, the small airfield played a key role in providing access to this paradise corner of Mexico, accepting an increasing number of private and commercial flights.

Significant challenges befell the airport in 1997 when Hurricane Paulina caused serious damage to the infrastructure, resulting in severe flooding. This event led to a massive reconstruction and modernization of the terminal. A similar situation occurred in 2013 with the arrival of Hurricane Manuel, after which the airport once again demonstrated its resilience and ability to recover quickly.

A key stage in the airport's modern history was the opening of a completely new passenger terminal in 2018. This modern complex was designed taking into account the region's seismic activity and increased requirements for hurricane protection. The new building not only increased capacity but also significantly raised the level of passenger comfort, offering spacious waiting lounges, modern shops, and restaurants. This project became a symbol of the revival and modernization of the entire resort's tourism infrastructure.

Interesting fact: the airport is named after General Juan N. Álvarez, a prominent military and political figure who was the interim president of Mexico in the mid-19th century and played an important role in the country's history. Today, Acapulco Airport continues to be a vital aerial gateway connecting this legendary resort with the rest of the world, and its history is a shining example of development, overcoming difficulties, and a constant striving for excellence.

Acapulco International Airport (ACA) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty-Free shops offering perfumes, beverages, and souvenirs, as well as stalls with Mexican artisanal crafts.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features VIP lounges where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and utilize business services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the medical station for first aid. For travelers with children, there are nursery rooms, and for passengers with reduced mobility, there are ramps, special restrooms, and assistance services, which are recommended to be booked in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, numerous hotel complexes to suit every taste and budget are located just a few minutes' drive away. Some of them offer free transfers for their guests. Business travelers can take advantage of conference rooms and workspaces available in the VIP lounges.

At Acapulco International Airport (ACA), travelers can find various dining options, from a quick snack to a leisurely lunch. It is important to note that the majority of cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the "airside" zone, meaning after passing security, so plan your time accordingly. In the general area ("landside"), the selection is more modest and mainly represented by coffee shops.

When bidding farewell to Mexico, do not miss the chance to enjoy local cuisine. In the airport restaurants, you can order classic dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, and fresh guacamole. For those who prefer something more familiar, there are always fast-food outlets with burgers and sandwiches, as well as pizzerias. Regarding prices, expect a quick snack to cost around $10-15 USD, and a full lunch or dinner in a restaurant to cost $25-40 USD per person.

In the departure zone ("airside"), the choice of establishments is maximized: from full-service restaurants to places where you can order a farewell signature drink or local beverage. For those in a hurry, coffee shops offer fresh pastries and sandwiches. Most establishments open around 6:00 AM and operate until the departure of the last flight, so you will have the opportunity to eat regardless of your flight time.

Passengers with special dietary needs should note that finding vegetarian dishes (such as vegetable tacos or salads) is usually not difficult. However, the selection of gluten-free or Halal items may be limited. In such cases, it is best to speak directly with the café or restaurant staff to clarify information. As in most airports around the world, prices here are higher than in the city, which should be considered when planning your trip budget.

To ensure your journey through Acapulco International Airport goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few tips. We recommend arriving at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. During peak seasons, such as Christmas or spring holidays, it is better to allow extra time due to potential increases in queues.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This allows you to proceed immediately to baggage drop or, if traveling light, to the security zone. When passing through security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, and remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag from your carry-on luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. A window seat will offer you unforgettable views of the coast during takeoff or landing. An aisle seat provides more legroom and allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors. You can study your aircraft's cabin layout in advance on airline websites or specialized resources.

It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in carry-on luggage. Liquids (gels, aerosols) can be transported in containers of no more than 100 ml each, placed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter. Power banks and other devices with lithium batteries should be carried only in hand luggage. Always check your airline's rules before flying.

If you have a connecting flight, especially from international to domestic, please note: you will likely need to pass passport and customs control in Acapulco. This means you will need to collect your luggage, pass through customs with it, and then re-check it for the next flight at your airline's counter. Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for this procedure.

Customs control in Mexico airports often operates on a "traffic light" system. After collecting luggage, you press a button: a green light means you can pass without inspection, and a red light means your luggage will be checked. Fill out the customs declaration honestly (it is often electronic now) and declare all goods exceeding established limits to avoid fines.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance online or use the official carrier counters in the arrivals hall — this will be cheaper than hailing a car on the street. Also, take an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security, and a light snack, as prices in the airport are traditionally higher.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible options (rebooking, compensation). Remain calm and clarify if the carrier provides vouchers for food or drinks. Having travel insurance may cover unforeseen expenses. Use this time to rest or explore the shops and cafes in the terminal.