Chetumal Airport

Welcome to Chetumal International Airport (CTM) — the southern gateway to the Caribbean world of Mexico! Located in the capital of the state of Quintana Roo, this airport is the ideal starting point for exploring the treasures of the southern Yucatan Peninsula. From here, you can easily reach the magical Lagoon of Seven Colors in Bacalar, ancient Mayan ruins, and even neighboring Belize. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, playing a key role in the development of tourism in the region.

Below is essential information about the airport to help you plan your journey.

Despite its international status, Chetumal Airport is a compact and convenient terminal that is easy to navigate. It primarily serves domestic flights, connecting the south of the country with major hubs such as Mexico City. Thanks to recent modernization and its strategic role in regional development projects, including the Tren Maya, the airport is constantly improving its infrastructure for the comfort of travelers. Its small size allows for quick passage through all pre-flight formalities, leaving more time to enjoy your upcoming vacation.

• Official Website: Currently, Chetumal Airport does not have a dedicated official website. Basic information can be obtained by phone or on general aviation portals.
• Information Desk Phone: +52 983 832 24 26. This is the main number for most inquiries, including flight schedules and airport services.
• Airport Address: Carretera Chetumal-Bacalar Km. 6, 77000 Chetumal, Quintana Roo, México.
• Email: An official public email address is not provided. It is recommended to use the phone for urgent communication.
• Social Media: At the moment, the airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. Please be wary of unofficial accounts.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your belongings were lost inside the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the main phone number. For issues regarding lost or damaged checked baggage, please contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all general questions, including assistance for passengers with special needs, please contact the main airport information desk at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Chetumal International Airport (CTM) from the city center is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometers away. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from several convenient methods.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the terminal, especially if you are traveling with luggage. A trip from the central area of Chetumal will take just 10–15 minutes. You can order an official taxi in the city or use private transfer services, which can be booked online in advance. The cost will be higher compared to public transport, but you get "door-to-door" convenience. It is recommended to confirm the price of the trip before boarding.

Public Transport. For budget travelers, there are local buses or shared taxis (colectivos) that run through the city. Although there may not be a direct route to the terminal itself, some buses stop in the immediate vicinity of the airport. This option is the most economical, but it may not be very convenient with a lot of luggage and might require a short walk. It is a great way to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere if you are traveling light.

Car Rental. If you plan to explore the surroundings of Chetumal and the Caribbean coast of Mexico, renting a car is an ideal solution. Many rental companies have counters both at the airport and in the city. You can pick up the car in the center and easily drop it off at the airport before departure. This gives maximum freedom of movement around the region.

Airport Parking. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available. There are options for both short-term parking (to pick up or drop off passengers) and long-term storage of the vehicle for the duration of your trip.

Chetumal International Airport (CTM) is a compact and convenient aviation hub served by a single terminal. This simple structure significantly simplifies navigation for travelers, as all processes, from check-in to baggage claim, are concentrated in one building.

The terminal serves both domestic and a limited number of international flights. The airport layout is intuitive: upon entering the building, you will immediately see the airline check-in counters. After dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to a small waiting hall with boarding gates. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located in close proximity to each other.

Since the airport has only one terminal, there is absolutely no need for long walks or shuttle transfers. This makes the boarding process or meeting arrivals very quick and comfortable. The arrival area is equipped with a baggage claim belt and, if necessary, customs control points.

Passing through check-in and security at Chetumal Airport usually takes little time thanks to moderate passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — approximately 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs, which are clearly visible and understandable even without knowledge of Spanish.

The history of Chetumal International Airport (CTM) is inextricably linked with the development of the southern part of the state of Quintana Roo and all of Mexico. The airport was officially opened in 1974. Its construction was a strategic step to integrate the remote region into the economic and tourist life of the country. The main task was to ensure reliable air connections for the capital of the new state, the city of Chetumal, and to stimulate the development of local business and tourism.

Since its opening, the airport has gone through several stages of modernization. One of the most significant occurred during the period of 2011-2013, when a large-scale reconstruction was carried out. As part of this project, a new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was built, and the runway was extended. These improvements allowed for the accommodation of larger aircraft and significantly increased capacity, preparing the airport for the growing flow of tourists heading to the resorts of Costa Maya and Lake Bacalar.

Chetumal Airport has always played an important role as a transport hub on the border with Belize, serving not only Mexican but also international travelers. Its strategic location has made it a key point for logistics and trade in the region. Although the airport cannot boast passenger traffic records compared to giants like Cancun, its achievement lies in providing stable and reliable connectivity for the entire region for decades.

An interesting fact from the modern history of the airport is its integration into the mega-project "Maya Train" (Tren Maya). A railway station was built near the airport, turning it into a multimodal transport hub. Now travelers can easily combine air travel with train journeys across the Yucatan Peninsula, opening up new opportunities for exploring the cultural and natural heritage of the Maya.

Despite its compact size, Chetumal Airport offers passengers a basic set of amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack at one of the small cafes serving light meals, sandwiches, and beverages. There are also several shops where you can buy souvenirs, travel essentials, and local products — a great opportunity to purchase last-minute gifts.

Common halls with sufficient seating are equipped in the terminal for waiting. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi to stay connected, as well as find charging stations for electronic devices. For those who prefer enhanced comfort, it is worth checking on-site for the availability and access conditions of the VIP lounge, which may offer a more private atmosphere and additional services.

ATMs are available in the airport building for cash withdrawals. A currency exchange office is also usually available, but it is recommended to check its opening hours in advance, especially if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning. In case of unforeseen situations, there is a first aid station at the airport.

Chetumal Airport takes into account the needs of different categories of travelers. Diaper changing tables are provided in the restrooms for passengers with small children. Travelers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance, including ramps, accessible toilets, and staff support. To request special assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

There are no specialized conference rooms or business centers at the airport. However, the availability of Wi-Fi allows for handling work matters in the waiting areas. There are no hotels within the airport itself, but plenty of accommodation options for every taste and budget can be found in the city, which is just a few minutes' drive away by taxi.

Chetumal Airport (CTM) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is not as wide as in major international hubs. Nevertheless, passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal, mostly located in the general hall before the security zone (landside).

The main place for dining is a small cafe or restaurant in the main terminal. Here you can order both a quick snack and more substantial dishes. The menu usually features popular Mexican dishes such as tortas (local sandwiches), quesadillas, and empanadas. This is a great opportunity to try authentic food before departure. Coffee, soft drinks, juices, and pastries are also served here. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last one departs.

After passing security control (airside), the choice is extremely limited. Typically, only vending machines with beverages, chips, and chocolate bars are found in the departure area. Therefore, if you want to drink coffee or have a more substantial snack, it is better to do so before passing through security.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diets) should note that finding specialized dishes at the airport will be difficult. The best solution would be to bring food with you. As a simple vegetarian option (often suitable for those seeking halal-friendly choices), you can check for the availability of cheese quesadillas. Prices at the airport are higher than in the city but remain moderate compared to major tourist centers in Mexico.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack, coffee with pastries or a torta sandwich from the cafe in the main hall is ideal.
• For a full meal, it is better to dine at one of the restaurants in the city of Chetumal before traveling to the airport. If time is limited, the cafe in the terminal will offer simple but filling hot dishes.

To ensure your journey through Chetumal Airport is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, take advantage of our tips. This small but important transport hub in the south of Mexico has its own characteristics, knowing which will save you time and nerves.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Although Chetumal Airport is not as large as capital hubs, it is better to be safe. We recommend arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight departure and at least 3 hours before an international one. This time will be enough to calmly go through all formalities, even if small queues arise.

Check-in and Security. The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on the airline's website. This way you can avoid queues at the check-in counters. The security screening procedure is standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large electronics must be removed from carry-on luggage. Be prepared for this in advance to speed up the process.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views of the Caribbean coast during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight without disturbing your neighbors.

Carry-on Luggage. Carefully study your airline's rules regarding the weight and dimensions of carry-on luggage. Standard prohibitions apply to sharp objects, weapons, explosives, and flammable substances. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag.

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight in Chetumal, verify with the airline in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. typically, for domestic flights with the same airline, luggage is transferred automatically, but it is always better to double-check this information.

Customs Control. Upon arrival on an international flight, you will have to pass through customs. You will need to fill out a customs declaration (often this can be done online before arrival). Mexico operates a "red and green corridor" system, where the selection of passengers for inspection can be random. Honestly declare all goods subject to mandatory declaration.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, eat before traveling to the airport or bring light snacks (non-liquid) with you. Prices in cafes within the airport territory are usually higher. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone. Avoid exchanging currency at the airport, as the exchange rate here is less favorable than in city banks.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first of all, follow the information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Contact the carrier's representative for clarifications. For lengthy delays, you are entitled to beverages, meals, and in some cases, hotel accommodation at the airline's expense.