Ciudad Obregon Airport

Ciudad Obregón International Airport (IATA: CEN) is the aerial gateway to the Yaqui Valley, a fertile agricultural region in the state of Sonora, Mexico. Located south of the city of the same name, this airport plays a key role in business and leisure travel, connecting the region with the country's largest metropolises. Despite its modest size, the airport offers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to your journey through this colourful corner of Mexico.

Ciudad Obregón Airport features a modern and compact terminal, making navigation fast and convenient. Passengers can utilise the services of several national airlines operating regular flights to major cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana. Basic amenities are available within the terminal building, including car rental desks, small cafes, and waiting areas. The airport's convenient location and good transport accessibility make it easy to reach the city centre by taxi or rental car.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). Current information can be found on the airport's official page: asa.gob.mx/es/aeropuertos/ciudad-obregon.
• Information Desk Phone: +52 (644) 445 0062. Please note that a different dialling format may be required for calls from outside Mexico.
• Airport Address: Carretera Internacional México-Nogales Km. 18.5, C.P. 85000, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.
• Email: For official enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the ASA operator's website, as a direct email for general questions is usually not provided.
• Social Media: You can follow general news from the ASA airport network on their official accounts, for example, on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook, by searching for "ASA Aeropuertos".
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage during a flight, please contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, please contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance regarding airport operations, please use the main information desk phone number.

You can reach Ciudad Obregón International Airport (CEN) from the city centre of Ciudad Obregón in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The airport is located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the centre, making the journey fast and convenient.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. A trip via an official taxi or ride-hailing service will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost usually varies between 250–350 Mexican Pesos (MXN). This is the most convenient option, especially if you are travelling with luggage. It is recommended to use authorised carriers or book a transfer in advance to avoid inflated prices.

Public Transport in Mexico varies in development, and in the case of Ciudad Obregón Airport, direct bus routes from the centre may be limited. This option is more suitable for budget-conscious and experienced travellers willing to combine trips on local buses (camiones) with a subsequent short taxi ride. The bus fare will be significantly lower — around 10–15 MXN, but the total travel time may increase.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the surroundings. Offices of several rental companies are present at Ciudad Obregón Airport. You can easily reach the terminal in a rented car. There is paid parking on the airport grounds, where you can leave your car for both short and long periods, which is convenient for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for those leaving their car for the duration of their trip.

Ciudad Obregón Airport (CEN) is a compact and modern airport complex distinguished by a structure that is convenient and easy for passengers to understand. Orienting yourself here is very easy, even if you are arriving for the first time.

The airport consists of one two-story terminal that handles all flights — both domestic and international. Despite its international status, the terminal retains compact dimensions, so you do not have to worry about long walks or the risk of getting lost. All key zones are within walking distance of each other. The ground floor houses check-in counters, the baggage claim area, and exits to city transport. The first floor is occupied by the security checkpoint and the departure lounge with several boarding gates.

Departure and Arrival Zones are clearly separated but located in the same building. After checking in on the ground floor, passengers proceed to the first floor, pass through security, and enter the secure area. Arriving passengers, after disembarking the aircraft, proceed immediately to the baggage claim hall on the ground floor, and then to the city exit. Navigation is intuitive, with signs in Spanish and English everywhere.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight and at least 2.5 hours before an international flight. This time is usually sufficient for a calm check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security control. Small queues are possible during peak hours, but they are rarely critical. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs, as everything is located very logically and close by.

International Airport Ciudad Obregón (CEN), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional de Ciudad Obregón, is a relatively modern aviation hub. Its history began not long ago — the airport opened in 1996. It was built to replace an older, smaller airfield that could no longer cope with the growing needs of the dynamically developing region. Since its foundation, the airport has been managed by the state-owned company Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), which is responsible for its operation and development.

The main stage of the airport's development occurred at the time of its opening. It was designed and built taking into account the modern standards of that time, which allowed it to immediately accept both domestic and international flights. This provided a powerful impetus for the economic growth of the city and the entire state of Sonora, as Ciudad Obregón is the centre of one of the most important agricultural regions in Mexico, known as the Yaqui Valley. The appearance of a modern airport significantly simplified logistics for business and opened the region to tourists.

Although there have been no historical events of global scale in the airport's history, its key moments are connected with systematic modernisation and the expansion of the route network. Throughout its existence, the terminal and runways have been repeatedly updated to meet international standards of safety and passenger comfort. The airport's main achievement can be considered its stable operation and important role as a transport gateway for the southern part of the state of Sonora.

An interesting fact: the airport plays a strategic role not only for passenger transport but also for the agro-industrial complex. Thanks to it, business travellers and specialists can quickly reach the numerous enterprises in the region. Today, CEN connects Ciudad Obregón with key hubs of the country, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Tijuana, remaining a vital artery for the economy and tourism.

International Airport Ciudad Obregón (CEN) offers passengers a set of essential services that make waiting for a flight comfortable and convenient. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is designed to satisfy the basic needs of travellers.

Dining and Shops. The airport has several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or purchase refreshing beverages. Here you will find both local dishes and familiar sandwiches. Small shops are also open, offering souvenirs, press, travel essentials, and local handicrafts — an excellent option for buying last-minute gifts.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. Comfortable waiting areas are available for all passengers. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected. Special stations and power outlets located in different parts of the building are provided for charging electronic devices. Information regarding the availability of VIP lounges is recommended to be checked with your airline representatives, as access may be limited.

Financial and Medical Services. ATMs are installed in the airport building where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points are also available for passengers. In case of need, there is a first aid station at the airport.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is equipped for the convenience of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Travellers with children can use the mother and child room. For additional assistance, such as escorting to the aircraft, please contact your airline in advance.

Business Services and Hotels. There are no conference halls or hotels within the airport building itself. However, a wide selection of hotels and business centres can be found in the immediate vicinity of the airport, in the city of Ciudad Obregón, which is easily accessible by taxi or rental car.

International Airport Ciudad Obregón (CEN) is a compact and convenient aviation hub, so dining options here are concentrated in the main building and oriented towards passengers who need a quick and tasty snack before departure or after arrival. The selection of establishments is small but allows you to satisfy your hunger and get acquainted with local flavours.

The main catering establishment is a cafe-restaurant located in the general area of the airport, before security control (landside). Here you can have a cup of coffee with fresh pastries or a full lunch. The menu usually includes standard international dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and burgers, as well as simple but hearty authentic dishes of Mexico. Be sure to try local specialities if they are on the menu, for example, quesadillas with cheese or burritos with beef.

After passing passport and customs control, in the sterile departure zone (airside), the choice is usually more limited. Typically, a small kiosk or snack bar operates here, where you can purchase beverages (water, juice, soda), coffee, as well as packaged snacks: chips, nuts, biscuits. This is a convenient option if you want to take something with you on board the plane or have a snack right before boarding.

Regarding special dietary needs, specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes may be absent. However, you can always check the ingredients with the staff. For vegetarians, simple options are usually available, for example, a quesadilla with cheese and vegetables or a salad. Prices at the airport are moderate, comparable to city cafes. Most establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule — opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last plane.

Travelling through Ciudad Obregón Airport (CEN) will be significantly more comfortable if you plan all the details in advance. To avoid unnecessary haste and stress, follow these simple tips that will help you at every stage of your journey.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to either proceed immediately to the security zone (if you are travelling with hand luggage only) or quickly drop off your bags at a dedicated counter.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. When packing hand luggage, remember standard restrictions: liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily.

Transfers and Customs. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Passengers arriving in Mexico from abroad will need to pass through customs control. Be prepared to fill out a declaration and possibly undergo a random luggage inspection.

Saving Time and Money. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher than in the city. Bring an empty reusable bottle with you, which can be filled with water after passing security control, as well as non-perishable snacks. Travelling light, with only hand luggage, will help avoid additional baggage fees.

In Case of Flight Delay. First of all, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and further actions. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks. Remain calm and use this time to rest or explore the shops and cafes in the terminal.