Culiacan International Airport

Culiacan International Airport, officially known as Bachigualato International Airport, serves as the main air gateway to the state of Sinaloa — the heart of the agricultural industry of Mexico. This modern and bustling air hub not only connects the state capital with the country's largest cities but also serves important international destinations. The airport plays a key role in the development of business and tourism in the region, offering passengers convenience and efficiency at every stage of their journey.

Operated by OMA, Culiacan Airport is the second busiest in the consortium after Monterrey and ranks among Mexico's top ten most important airports by passenger traffic. For the comfort of travellers, modern amenities are provided, including the VIP OMA Premium Lounge, various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Thanks to its compactness and well-thought-out logistics, navigating the terminal is effortless. Transport connections to the city are provided by taxi services and car rental agencies, allowing you to quickly and easily reach the centre of Culiacan or other destinations within the state.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Culiacan International Airport (CUL). If you have any questions, we recommend reaching out via the channels listed below.

• Official website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official OMA operator website: oma.aero/es/aeropuertos/culiacan/
• Information desk phone: For immediate information, you can call: +52 (667) 846 42 60.
• Airport address: Carretera a Navolato Km. 4.5, C.P. 80130, Culiacán, Sinaloa, México.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official airport website for communication.
• Social media: Follow news and updates from the OMA airport group on social networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) via the official account @OMAAeropuertos.
• Lost luggage information: Questions regarding lost or damaged luggage should be addressed directly to your airline representatives. Airport staff do not handle the search for personal items left on board the aircraft.
• Passenger support contacts: For general inquiries not related to luggage or a specific flight, you may contact the main airport information desk phone.

Culiacan International Airport (CUL) is located in close proximity to the city, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can reach the terminal from the centre of Culiacan or return via several methods suitable for different budgets and comfort levels.

Taxis and transfers are the simplest and most popular option. The trip from the city centre takes approximately 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. For safety, it is recommended to use authorized airport taxi services, whose counters are located in the arrivals hall, or to book a transfer in advance. This is slightly more expensive than other methods but guarantees a fixed price and a comfortable ride to your hotel, especially if you have a lot of luggage. Ride-hailing services like Uber or DiDi are also widely used in Mexico and often offer more competitive rates.

Public transport is the most budget-friendly method. Although there are no dedicated express buses to the airport, city bus routes (camiones) pass nearby. This option may be inconvenient for tourists with suitcases and requires knowledge of the local transport system. However, if you are travelling light and wish to save money, this is a viable option. It is best to check the number of the required route with locals or at your hotel.

Car rental is the ideal choice for those planning to explore the surroundings of Culiacan and the state of Sinaloa independently. Offices of several major rental companies are located within the airport terminal. If you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle, a parking lot with zones for short-term and long-term parking is at your disposal.

Culiacan International Airport (CUL), also known as Bachigualato International Airport, features a simple and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers. The airport consists of one main terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This organization significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to transfer between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The ground floor houses the general area with arrivals and check-in halls. Here you will find airline counters, the baggage claim area, and exits to the city where taxis and car rental counters are located. The second floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone: after passing security control, passengers enter a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates. All infrastructure — shops, cafes, and waiting areas — is located in one place, allowing for easy orientation.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by levels but are situated within the same building. Arriving passengers follow signs to the baggage claim hall after disembarking and then proceed to customs control (for international flights). The path from the gate to the exit takes minimal time. For departing passengers, the process is also standard: check-in on the ground floor, followed by proceeding to the second floor for security screening and awaiting the flight.

The time required for formalities at Culiacan Airport is usually short compared to major international hubs. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure to check in and pass security calmly. For international destinations, it is better to allow about 2.5-3 hours. Despite the terminal's compactness, queues may arise during peak hours or the tourist season, so a small time buffer is always helpful.

The history of Culiacan International Airport (CUL), also known as Bachigualato Airport, is closely linked to the economic growth of the state of Sinaloa and all of Mexico. Although the first flights in the region began in the mid-20th century, the modern phase of the airport's life started in 1972, when its main terminal was built and opened. This event marked the starting point for Culiacan's transformation into an important transport hub in the country's northwest.

The airport received significant impetus for development in 2000 when it came under the management of the operator OMA (Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte). Almost immediately, in 2001, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, which significantly increased capacity and improved the level of passenger comfort. Subsequent years were marked by further infrastructure improvements, including the expansion of waiting areas and the modernization of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft.

One interesting fact is that the airport in Culiacan consistently ranks among the top ten busiest in the country for domestic passenger traffic. In addition to serving tourists and business travellers, it performs a critically important function as one of the main air cargo centres for the agricultural sector. The export of fresh vegetables and fruits is carried out from here, making the airport an integral part of the regional economy.

Culiacan International Airport (CUL) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. Inside the terminal, you will find various dining spots — from small cafes where you can quickly grab a coffee, to restaurants offering full meals of Mexican and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores selling souvenirs, travel essentials, and, of course, a Duty Free zone where you can purchase perfumes and other goods at competitive prices.

For those who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available at the airport, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere while enjoying snacks and beverages. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Additionally, numerous charging stations for electronic devices are equipped for passenger convenience.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are available. In case of unforeseen health situations, there is a medical post where first aid is provided. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped, and for passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created, including ramps, special restrooms, and the option to request assistance.

Although there are no hotels directly within the airport building, several hotels of varying comfort levels are located in the immediate vicinity and can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travellers, business centre services or small meeting rooms may be available, allowing for effective use of time before departure. Thus, the airport in Culiacan strives to meet the needs of all categories of passengers.

At Culiacan International Airport (CUL), you will find several dining options to help pass the time before your flight or to refresh yourself upon arrival. The establishments cater to different tastes and budgets, ranging from quick snacks to full Mexican-style meals.

Most cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the main terminal building, both in the public area (before security control) and in the secure departure zone. This allows both well-wishers and passengers waiting for boarding to have a bite to eat. Here, you will find well-known fast-food chains offering familiar burgers and sandwiches, as well as local cafes.

For those wishing to explore the region's gastronomy, it is worth paying attention to establishments offering Mexican cuisine. Since the state of Sinaloa is famous for its seafood, you can find small restaurants in the airport serving fresh ceviche (fish marinated in lime juice), aguachile (spicy shrimp soup), or seafood tacos. This is an excellent opportunity to taste the authentic flavours of Mexico before departure, with plenty of seafood options suitable for various dietary preferences.

Options for different budgets and time constraints:

• Quick snack: Coffee shops are ideal for this, where you can get freshly brewed coffee, pastries, sandwiches, or salads. Convenience stores are also available in the terminal, selling drinks, chips, and other snacks.
• Full meal: The airport has several sit-down restaurants with menu service. Here you can leisurely enjoy hot dishes, soups, and local delicacies. Prices are generally slightly higher than in the city, which is standard for airports.

Regarding specialized diets, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, the selection may be limited. Nevertheless, in most cafes, you can find salads, fresh fruits, or request a dish prepared without meat ingredients. It is recommended to verify the ingredients with the staff before ordering. The operating hours of most dining establishments are aligned with the flight schedule, running from early morning until late evening.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Culiacan goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these proven tips. Planning ahead will help avoid stress and save time for more pleasant activities.

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. This will give you sufficient time in case of queues. To speed up the process, complete online check-in on your airline's website and save the boarding pass on your phone. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to proceed directly to security.

Security checks and seat selection: At security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics, as well as your bag of liquids, from your hand luggage. If you prefer to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is suitable for those who wish to be able to stand up and leave freely without disturbing neighbours. Seats in the front part of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit from the aircraft upon arrival.

Carry-on luggage rules: The standard rule for liquids is containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Check the list of prohibited items on your airline's website in advance. Typically, this includes sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons. By taking an empty water bottle with you, you can fill it at drinking fountains after passing security and save on beverages.

Customs control and transfers: When arriving in Mexico from another country, you will need to pass through customs control. You will be required to fill out a customs declaration. In some cases, a "red" and "green" corridor system is used, where the choice of corridor determines whether your luggage will be inspected. If you have a connecting flight in Culiacan, verify with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

In case of flight delay: If your flight is delayed, the first step is to contact your airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and clarify your rights as a passenger — airlines are obliged to provide support in such situations.