Cozumel Airport

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is your gateway to a Caribbean paradise on Mexico's largest island. Located in the city of San Miguel de Cozumel, it welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists annually who arrive to enjoy the world-famous coral reefs, pristine white beaches, and the island's unique atmosphere. The airport plays a key role in the region's tourism infrastructure, providing convenient connections to both mainland Mexico and cities in the USA and Canada. Despite its relatively small size, it offers passengers everything needed for a comfortable start and end to their journey.

The main advantage of Cozumel Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Travellers here rarely face long queues, allowing them to quickly pass through all formalities and head out for adventure. The airport is ideally located for diving enthusiasts, as world-renowned reefs, such as Palancar, are very close by. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers all essential services: there are duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, several cafes, and car rental desks. Thanks to its friendly atmosphere and convenience, Cozumel Airport leaves a pleasant first and last impression of your visit to this island paradise.

• Official Website: asur.com.mx/cozumel. Here you will find flight schedules, service information, and airport news.
• Information Desk Phone: +52 (987) 872 2081. You can call this number for general enquiries related to terminal operations.
• Address: Carretera Aeropuerto Internacional s/n, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo, México.
• Email: A dedicated email for general enquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: The airport is managed by the ASUR group. You can follow news on their official pages on X (Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. For items left behind in the terminal building, please contact the information service via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or information directly at the airport, please visit the information desks or speak to staff members. The enquiry phone number is listed above.

Getting to Cozumel Airport is very simple, as it is located very close to the island's main city — San Miguel de Cozumel. The trip from most hotels and the central part of the city rarely takes more than 10-15 minutes. The main modes of transport are taxis, collective shuttles, and rental cars, making the journey to your flight quick and convenient.

The most popular and reliable option for tourists is to use an official taxi or shuttle service (known as a "colectivo"). In Cozumel, as in many tourist zones in Mexico, there are fixed rates for trips to the airport, which depend on your location on the island. The cost of a taxi ride will be moderate, while a shuttle, which picks up several passengers along the way, will be even cheaper. It is recommended to use only authorised services to avoid overcharging.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those who wish to explore the island at their own pace. Most major rental companies have desks right at the airport, allowing you to conveniently return the car immediately before departure. This eliminates the need to find additional transport and gives you complete freedom of movement until the very last minute of your holiday.

If you are travelling in your own or a rented car, parking is available at the airport. For those staying in hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal, a walking route is even possible. It is worth noting that public transport common in big cities, such as city buses, does not have regular routes to the airport, so you should plan your trip relying on a taxi or car.

Cozumel Airport (CZM) is a compact and modern aviation hub serving both domestic and international flights. All passenger infrastructure is concentrated in one terminal, making navigation exceptionally simple and convenient for tourists arriving in Mexico.

The terminal structure is intuitive and logical. The building has two main levels, each designed for specific operations:

• Ground Floor is entirely dedicated to the Arrivals Zone. This is where passengers go through passport control, collect baggage from the conveyor belts, pass through customs inspection, and exit into the general hall. The arrivals hall houses car rental desks and taxi services.
• First Floor is the Departures Zone. Here you will find airline check-in counters, the pre-flight inspection and security control point, as well as the waiting lounge with boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, all transitions between zones take place within a single building. You will not have to use shuttles or walk down long corridors to get from the check-in area to the departure zone, which saves time and energy.

The time required to complete all formalities may vary depending on the season and the number of flights. On average, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially during the high season (from December to April). For domestic flights, 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient. In the secure zone after inspection, there are Duty-Free shops, souvenir stalls, and several cafes where you can comfortably spend time waiting for boarding.

Navigating the terminal will not cause any difficulties. Signs are clear and duplicated in English. Airport staff are always ready to help if you have any questions. Thanks to its compactness and thoughtful layout, getting lost here is practically impossible, making your stay at Cozumel Airport a pleasant and calm stage of your journey.

The history of Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is a fascinating narrative closely intertwined with world history and the development of tourism in Mexico. Its roots go back to the Second World War, making it one of the oldest airports in the region with a rich past.

Officially, the airport was founded not as a civil facility, but as a military airbase. In 1943, at the height of World War II, the US Air Force, in cooperation with the Mexican government, built an airfield here. Its strategic location was ideal for patrolling the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico to detect enemy submarines. After the war ended, the base was transferred to Mexican control and began to gradually transform for civil needs.

The airport's true flourishing began in the 1960s and 1970s, when Cozumel gained worldwide fame as one of the best places for diving, largely thanks to the explorations of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The flow of tourists wishing to see the coral reefs required serious expansion. During these decades, the airport was significantly modernised: the runway was lengthened to accommodate jet aircraft, and the passenger terminal was rebuilt to service the growing number of international flights.

In subsequent years, the airport underwent several stages of reconstruction, especially after management was taken over by the ASUR group (Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste). Modernisation included updating navigation equipment, expanding waiting areas, and improving passenger infrastructure. The airport has also repeatedly proven its importance during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Wilma in 2005, serving as a critically important hub for delivering humanitarian aid and evacuating people.

An interesting fact: despite its relatively modest size, Cozumel Airport retains the status of an important international hub to this day, especially for flights from the USA and Canada. Its history is a vivid example of how a military facility can turn into a key gateway for tourists, opening the beauties of the Caribbean coast to the world.

Cozumel Airport (CZM), despite its compact size, offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departing or after arriving on this island paradise, you can make use of everything necessary to make your journey as pleasant as possible.

For those feeling hungry, the terminal features several cafes and restaurants offering both Mexican and international cuisine. You can have a snack with a sandwich, drink a cup of aromatic coffee, or have a full meal. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs, local products, regional delicacies, and goods in the Duty-Free zone. This is a great opportunity to buy last-minute gifts for loved ones.

For a more comfortable wait, the airport has a VIP lounge (Caral VIP Lounge), where passengers can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy snacks and beverages, and use additional services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and there are charging stations for electronic devices. For financial matters, there are ATMs and currency exchange points where you can exchange money upon arrival.

The airport is equipped for the needs of all categories of travellers. There is a medical point for first aid, and a mother and child room for passengers with small children. A barrier-free environment has been created for people with limited mobility: there are ramps, lifts, and specially equipped toilets, and staff are always ready to provide necessary assistance.

Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, many accommodation options are located just a few minutes' drive away. Business travellers can use the services of the VIP lounge, which offers convenient workspaces and a more private atmosphere for handling business matters before departure.

At Cozumel Airport (CZM), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full lunch, mostly located in the departure zone after passing security control. Although the selection here is not as huge as in mega-hubs, you won't go hungry. Most establishments are oriented towards tourists leaving the island and offer both familiar international dishes and a chance to enjoy the flavours of Mexico one last time.

For those who want a quick bite, there are several cafes and kiosks in a grab-and-go format, where you can buy sandwiches, pastries, salads, and drinks. There is also a coffee shop offering classic coffee beverages and desserts. If time permits, you can sit in one of the restaurants with menu service. Typically, they offer American and Mexican cuisine: burgers, nachos, tacos, and quesadillas. Several venues invite you to enjoy a refreshing beverage or a local drink before your flight.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal or Kosher dishes might be difficult. However, vegetarians can usually order vegetable tacos, cheese quesadillas, or salads. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city of Cozumel, so be prepared for a "tourist" markup. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last flight, adjusting to the flight schedule.

When planning a departure from Cozumel Airport, allow enough time. We recommend arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During the peak tourist season, which lasts from December to April, queues for check-in and pre-flight inspection can be longer than usual, so a little extra time certainly won't hurt.

To avoid unnecessary waiting, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security. Security procedures at Cozumel Airport are standard, but be prepared that you may be asked to remove and switch on large electronic devices.

Want to enjoy a view of the Caribbean Sea one last time? When choosing a seat on a plane departing from the island, window seats on the left side (usually rows A, B, C) can give you a farewell panoramic view of the turquoise coast. As for hand luggage, remember the standard rules: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Also, be careful with souvenirs — taking certain items out of Mexico, such as coral, large shells, or archaeological artefacts, is prohibited.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will have to pass customs control. A "traffic light" system is often used here: after collecting your luggage, you press a button. A green light means you can pass without inspection, while a red light means your luggage is subject to a check. The procedure is random, so there is no need to worry.

If you have a transfer planned in another Mexican city (for example, in Cancun or Mexico City), allow at least 3 hours between flights. This time should be enough to pass immigration control, collect luggage, and check in again. In case of a flight delay from Cozumel, immediately contact your airline's counter for instructions. Remember that the airport is small, so it is useful to have a book or a charged power bank with you.

To save money and time, we recommend booking a transfer to your hotel in advance. Taxi prices ordered directly at the airport are generally higher. The same applies to food and drinks: having a snack before leaving for the airport will be significantly more economical than at the cafes on its premises.