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Los Mochis International Airport

About the Airport

Los Mochis International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Los Mochis International Airport, officially known as Valle del Fuerte International Airport, is your gateway to a world of amazing adventures on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Located in the state of Sinaloa, it serves as the starting point for many travellers eager to explore the famous Copper Canyon and board the legendary El Chepe train. This modern and compact airport connects the region with key cities in the country and is an important transport hub for both tourists and business travellers.

IATA Code LMM
ICAO Code MMLM
City Los Mochis
Distance to Centre 18 km
Status International
Annual Passengers approx. 470,700 (2023)
Popular Airlines Volaris, Aeromexico, VivaAerobus
Schedule Online Board "Los Mochis Airport"

Despite its modest size, Los Mochis Airport offers all the necessary services for a comfortable start or end to your journey. Here you will find car rental desks, cafes, souvenir shops, and comfortable waiting lounges. Thanks to its proximity to the city, getting to the centre is effortless — a taxi ride will take about 20–30 minutes. The main advantage of the airport is its strategic location, making it the ideal starting point for discovering the natural and cultural treasures of northern Mexico.

Contact Information

To resolve any issues related to your journey through Los Mochis Airport, you can use the following contacts. We recommend checking the data on official resources for accuracy, especially before travelling.

  • Official Website: The airport is managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP). All official information, including flight schedules and services, is available on the airport's page: www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/es/los-mochis.html.
  • Information Desk Phone: For enquiries and general information, you can call the main number: +52 (668) 818-6930.
  • Address: Carretera Los Mochis – Topolobampo Km. 12.5, C.P. 81360, Los Mochis, State of Sinaloa, Mexico.
  • Email: The airport does not have a public email address for general enquiries. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official GAP website for communication.
  • Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official pages of the management company Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico on social networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
  • Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, first contact your airline's representative at the airport. If you have left personal belongings in the terminal building, contact the airport's Lost and Found service (Oficina de Objetos Extraviados).
  • Passenger Support Service: For on-site assistance, you can approach the information desk located in the main hall of the terminal.

How to Get to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Los Mochis Airport (LMM), which is located approximately 18 km from the city centre of Los Mochis. The journey time is usually 20-30 minutes, depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and reliable option. You can use official taxis, which can be ordered at your hotel or found at designated stands in the city. The cost of a trip to the airport is generally fixed and is around 300-400 Mexican pesos. Collective shuttles (colectivos) are also available, which are a more economical alternative as the fare is shared among several passengers.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for tourists planning to explore the region independently, for example, to visit the famous Copper Canyon. Offices of major rental companies such as Hertz and Avis operate at Los Mochis Airport. If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, secure parking is available on the premises, offering both short-term and long-term rates.

Regarding public transport, it is worth noting that regular city bus routes do not go directly to the airport terminal. Therefore, tourists should not rely on this method of travel to avoid missing their flight. The main flow of transport to the airport is provided by taxis and private cars, which is typical for many smaller airports in Mexico.

Recommendation: For maximum convenience and to avoid unnecessary hassle, we advise booking a transfer in advance through your hotel or using an official taxi. This ensures a comfortable and safe journey at a predictable price.

Terminals and Map

Los Mochis International Airport (LMM), also known as Valle del Fuerte International Airport, is a compact and modern aviation hub. It serves both domestic and some international flights, acting as an important gateway for tourists heading to the Copper Canyon and the coast of the Gulf of California.

The airport consists of one terminal, which unites all passenger service zones under one roof. This simple and logical structure makes navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time. You do not need to worry about transferring between terminals — all processes, from check-in to boarding, take place in one building.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you find yourself in the common area where airline check-in counters are located. To the left and right of the central entrance are the Departure (Salidas) and Arrival (Llegadas) zones, respectively. Signs in Spanish and English will help you orient yourself easily. After checking in for the flight, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to a small but comfortable waiting lounge with several boarding gates.

The arrival zone is also organised very efficiently. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers proceed to the baggage claim hall. Here you will also find car rental counters and official taxi services. The entire path from the aircraft to the terminal exit takes minimal time.

Due to the small size of the airport, completing all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and security, usually happens very quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight to check in luggage and pass security control without rushing. For international destinations, it is better to allow a little more time.

Airport History

The history of Los Mochis International Airport (LMM), officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional del Valle del Fuerte, is closely linked to the economic and tourism development of the state of Sinaloa. Although air connections in the region existed earlier, a key moment in the modern history of the airport was 1972, when it was officially included in the national network Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), marking the beginning of its development as a major transport hub.

A real breakthrough in the airport's development occurred at the turn of the century. In 1999, management of the airport passed to the private operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP). This step became a catalyst for large-scale investments aimed at modernising the infrastructure. Significant work was carried out to reconstruct the terminal, improve the runway, and enhance the quality of passenger service, allowing the airport to meet international standards.

The growth of Los Mochis Airport has always gone hand in hand with the prosperity of the region. On one hand, it became a key logistics centre for the thriving agribusiness of the Fuerte Valley, ensuring the export of fresh produce. On the other, the airport transformed into the main air gateway for tourists from all over the world eager to embark on a journey through the famous Copper Canyon on the "El Chepe" train, the route of which begins right in Los Mochis. This unique position has made the airport indispensable for the tourism industry of northern Mexico.

Today, Los Mochis Airport is a modern and efficient complex serving both domestic and international flights, primarily to the USA. It is a prime example of how competent management and a strategic location can turn a regional airfield into a vital hub that fosters economic growth and opens up some of the country's most impressive natural wonders to the world.

Services and Facilities

Los Mochis Airport (LMM) offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Before departure, you can have a snack at one of the cafes or a full meal at the restaurant, which features local and international cuisine. In the airport shops, you can find souvenirs, press, and other useful travel items.

For relaxation in a quieter environment, comfortable waiting lounges are provided, and for those who appreciate enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal, and numerous power outlets and charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected. Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points.

For travellers with children, a mother and child room is equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including escort through the airport territory, and the terminal infrastructure is adapted to their needs. In case of feeling unwell, a medical point operates at the airport.

If you require a long rest, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, business centre services or meeting room rentals may be available, but it is recommended to clarify this information in advance at the airport information desk.

Where to Eat

The airport of Los Mochis (LMM) is a small and convenient aviation hub where dining options are mostly concentrated in the main terminal building, in the public zone before passing security control. Despite its compact size, here you can find options for both a quick snack and a full meal.

For those who have time and want a leisurely lunch, there is a restaurant operating in the airport. It typically offers a mixed menu with international and traditional Mexican dishes. Here you can order hot meals, soups, salads, and beverages. This establishment is located landside (before security), making it accessible to all airport visitors, not just departing passengers.

If you need a quick and filling snack, consider the fast-food outlets. Generally, there is at least one establishment of a well-known international chain where you can order sandwiches or burgers. This is a great option to take food with you on board (if permitted by the airline) or to eat quickly before departure. These cafes are also primarily located in the public zone.

Additionally, there are small coffee shops and snack bars in the terminal. Here you will be offered fresh coffee, pastries, packaged sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks. A small kiosk with a limited assortment of snacks and beverages may also be available airside, after passing security control, but the main selection is always found before it.

Regarding special dietary needs, choices may be limited. Vegetarians will find it easier to find suitable dishes, such as vegetable salads or sandwiches that can be customised. Passengers with a gluten-free or vegan diet are advised to verify information on-site or carry necessary food items with them. Please note that Halal options may be limited in this region. The price range in airport establishments corresponds to standard airport pricing — slightly higher than in the city. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, starting from early morning until the departure of the last aircraft.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Los Mochis Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. These recommendations will help you save time, stress, and money, making the start or end of your adventure in Mexico comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3 hours. Los Mochis Airport is not the largest, but it is better to have a buffer of time. To avoid queues, complete online check-in on your airline's website — this will save you precious minutes.

Security Control. When passing through security, prepare your boarding pass and passport in advance. Electronics (laptops, tablets) and liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be placed in a separate tray. Following these simple rules will significantly speed up the process for you and other passengers.

Seat Selection. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you magnificent views of the Sinaloa landscapes during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to disembark quickly.

Hand Luggage. Be sure to pack all valuables in your hand luggage: documents, money, electronics, and necessary medication. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids (no more than 100 ml per bottle) and the complete ban on sharp objects and flammable substances. It is better to check baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website in advance.

Transit through the Airport. If you have a layover in Los Mochis, clarify with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. Generally, for domestic flights with the same airline, luggage is checked through to the final destination. The transit zone in the airport is small, but it has everything necessary for a comfortable wait: cafes and waiting lounges. Re-screening is usually not required if you do not leave the secure area.

Customs Control. Upon entering the country, you will need a completed migration form (FMM). Keep it with your passport. Be ready to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. In Mexico, a "red" and "green" light system is often used: pressing a button determines whether your luggage will be inspected.

Savings and Useful Hacks. Prices for food and water in the airport are traditionally higher. Bring an empty reusable bottle and fill it with water after passing security control. You can also bring light snacks from home. It is better to order a taxi from the airport at the official counter inside the terminal — it is safer and often more economical than hailing private drivers.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information on the flight status, rebooking options, or compensation (meals, hotel). Having travel insurance can significantly simplify the resolution of such issues.

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