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Lazaro Cardenas Airport

About the Airport

Lazaro Cardenas Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Lazaro Cardenas Airport (LZC) serves as a cosy air gateway to the Pacific coast of the state of Michoacán, harmoniously connecting the business rhythm of one of the country's largest ports with a relaxed tropical atmosphere. It is not merely a transit point, but a starting point for a journey through a region where industrial power sits alongside wild nature and pristine beaches. Thanks to its intimate setting, the airport relieves guests of metropolitan stress, offering a calm and measured start to their trip.

IATA Code LZC
ICAO Code MMLC
City Lazaro Cardenas
Distance to Centre 5 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers ~28,000
Schedule Check with the operator's website

Although small in size, Lazaro Cardenas Airport possesses a number of undeniable advantages that make it convenient for travellers:

Time Saving. Thanks to the compact terminal, all pre-flight formalities — from check-in to security screening — take mere minutes. There are practically never any queues here, unlike at major hubs.

Convenient Location. The airport is located very close to the city limits and the port zone. The journey to the centre takes only 10–15 minutes, allowing you to plan your schedule as effectively as possible.

Calm Atmosphere. The absence of large crowds and bustle creates a comfortable environment. It is the ideal place for those who value silence and a lack of unnecessary noise before a flight.

Contact Information

Planning a trip through Lazaro Cardenas Airport (LZC)? Save this contact information to ensure your journey through Mexico runs smoothly. We recommend checking the official websites for up-to-date data before your flight, as details may change.

  • Official Website: The airport is managed by the state company Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). All official information should be sought on the airport's page on the operator's website: gob.mx/asa/lazaro-cardenas.
  • Information Desk Phone: For operational information regarding terminal operations, flights, and services, call the information desk at: +52 (753) 537 34 80.
  • Airport Address: Carretera a La Mira Km. 5, C.P. 60950, Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán, México.
  • Email: The airport does not have a separate email for general enquiries. It is recommended to use the contact phone number or the feedback form on the ASA management company's website.
  • Social Media: The air hub does not have its own social media pages. You can follow news on the official accounts of the operator, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA).
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage is lost or damaged, contact your airline's representative first. For items left in the terminal building, contact the information service via the main phone number.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions about airport operations, contact the information desk. Questions regarding tickets (booking, changes, refunds) and carriage rules are handled directly by your airline.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to the national airport of Lazaro Cardenas (IATA: LZC) is quite simple due to its close proximity to the city centre. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and comfort preferences. The journey from the central part of the city to the terminal usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and convenient method. A car can be ordered by phone, via an app, or hailed on the street. It is recommended to use official taxi services to avoid inflated prices. The cost of the trip will be low due to the short distance, but it is always better to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey. A pre-booked transfer can be a good option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group.

Public Transport — the most budget-friendly option. There may not be direct bus routes to the terminal itself, but local buses or minibuses (known in Mexico as `colectivos`) often pass along the main road near the airport. This method is more suitable for light travellers who are ready to walk a short distance from the stop to the terminal entrance. It is a good way to save money, but it requires a little more time and effort.

Car Rental — the ideal choice for those planning to actively travel around the region. You can find representatives of both local and international rental companies in the city and possibly at the airport itself. Having your own car gives you freedom of movement and allows you to explore the picturesque coast and surroundings at your own pace. The airport provides parking where you can leave a car for both short and long periods.

For travellers looking for more flight options, it is worth considering airports in neighbouring cities. Often, larger air hubs offer more flights and better prices. For example, you can fly into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH), located approximately 92 km away, or Uruapan Airport (UPN), 156 km from the city, and from there get to Lazaro Cardenas by intercity bus.

Terminals and Map

Lazaro Cardenas Airport (LZC) is a small regional airport that serves domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and convenient for passengers, making the travel process quick and stress-free.

The airport consists of one compact terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to its small size, navigation through the building is intuitive, and all key zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about transferring between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in one place.

Immediately upon entering the terminal, you will see the airline check-in counters. After receiving your boarding pass and checking in your luggage, you need to proceed to the security screening area, which leads to a small departure lounge. The arrival area is also located in the same building and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the taxi rank and car park.

Check-in and security procedures at Lazaro Cardenas Airport usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Typically, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure to go through all stages without rushing and enjoy a cup of coffee before your flight.

For navigation, simply follow the standard signs for "Salidas" (Departures) and "Llegadas" (Arrivals). It is practically impossible to get lost in this airport, which is a great advantage for travellers who value their time and comfort.

Airport History

The history of Lazaro Cardenas Airport (LZC) is a chronicle of the industrial leap that transformed the Pacific coast of Mexico. The air harbour was built not for tourists, but as a strategic facility to support one of the country's largest industrial projects — the SICARTSA steel complex and the deep-water port. The airport was officially opened in 1976, simultaneously with the launch of the first production facilities, becoming a vital artery for the new city of Lazaro Cardenas.

From the very beginning, its main mission was to provide rapid transport accessibility for engineers, executives, investors, and technical specialists arriving from all over the country to work on the grandiose project. In its early years, the airport functioned primarily as a corporate and government transport hub, accepting mainly charter and service flights. Its development was fully synchronised with the growth of port and industrial activity.

Throughout its history, Lazaro Cardenas Airport has remained a small regional harbour managed by the state company Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). It has undergone periodic modernisations to meet modern safety and service requirements but has never sought to become a major tourist hub. Today, just as decades ago, it plays a key role in supporting the business activity of one of Latin America's most important ports, serving domestic flights and acting as a starting point for those wishing to explore the industrial power and secluded beaches of the state of Michoacán.

Services and Amenities

Lazaro Cardenas Airport (LZC) is a small regional airport in Mexico, serving primarily domestic flights. Its infrastructure provides passengers with a basic set of amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to understand that this is not a major international hub, so the range of services here is quite compact and focused on the essentials.

Inside the terminal, you will find a small café or snack bar where you can buy drinks and light snacks. The selection here is limited, and there are no full-service restaurants or Duty Free shops. Passengers are advised to arrange meals in advance if something more substantial than a simple snack is required. Regarding connectivity, access to Wi-Fi may be unstable, and the number of sockets for charging gadgets is limited, so it is better to have a portable power bank with you.

Banking services at LZC airport are minimal — there may be an ATM, but currency exchange points and bank branches are absent. All financial transactions are recommended to be carried out in the city of Lazaro Cardenas. Specialised waiting lounges, such as VIP lounges or business centres, are not provided at the airport. Services for passengers with children and travellers with reduced mobility meet basic standards: staff will assist with boarding, but you should notify the airline in advance of the need for special assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair.

There are no hotels within the airport grounds. The nearest hotels and apartments are located in the city of Lazaro Cardenas, which can be reached by taxi in a short time. Overall, the airport effectively performs its main function — the quick and convenient dispatch and reception of passengers, while for a wider range of services, one should turn to the city's infrastructure.

Where to Eat

When planning a departure from the airport in the city of Lazaro Cardenas (LZC), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Do not expect a large food court with a variety of restaurants, however, having a snack before a flight is still possible.

In the airport's single terminal, there is usually a small café or snack bar operating. Most often, such establishments are located in the public area before security control, but sometimes a small kiosk with drinks and snacks can also be found in the departure zone. The assortment typically includes basic options for a quick bite: sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks such as coffee, tea, and sparkling water.

Although it is difficult to find full Mexican meals here, sometimes packaged local snacks are on sale. This is your chance to try something authentic without even leaving the airport. Prices, as in most airports around the world, may be somewhat higher than in the city. Opening hours of catering establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule and may be limited.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal meals) are strongly advised to bring food with them. Finding suitable options at LZC airport will be extremely difficult. Thus, the airport is more suitable for a light snack than for a full lunch or dinner.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Mexico departing from Lazaro Cardenas Airport proceeds as comfortably as possible and without unnecessary stress, make use of our tips. Planning and knowing a few nuances will help you save time and nerves in this small and convenient airport.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Since this is a small airport serving domestic flights, all procedures here proceed quite quickly. We recommend arriving approximately 1.5 hours before departure. This time will be quite sufficient for calmly passing through check-in and security control. To save time, you can check in for your flight online on your airline's website.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. When going through screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage. Liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are categorically prohibited. Be sure to check your airline's rules regarding the weight and size of hand luggage in advance.

Seat Selection and Connections. If you want to enjoy the views, choose a window seat. If you value the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs, your place is by the aisle. Passengers with short connections are better off choosing seats in the front part of the cabin for a quicker exit. If you have a connecting flight, check the information board for the gate number and boarding time immediately upon arrival at the next airport.

Economy and Flight Delays. To save money, take an empty water bottle with you (it can be filled after security) and light snacks. In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative immediately. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights to receive drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation depending on the duration of the wait.

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