Mazatlan International Airport

Welcome to General Rafael Buelna International Airport (Mazatlán International Airport) — your aerial gateway to the "Pearl of the Pacific". Located on the picturesque coast of Mexico, this airport serves as the starting point for travellers seeking to enjoy the golden beaches, colonial architecture, and unique atmosphere of Mazatlán. It is a modern and convenient transport hub connecting the state of Sinaloa with major cities in Mexico, the USA, and Canada. The airport plays a key role in the region's tourism infrastructure, welcoming and bidding farewell to hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world annually.

Mazatlán Airport offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable start and end to their journey. In the terminal, you will find car rental desks, cafes and restaurants, duty-free shops, and souvenir stalls where you can buy memorable gifts. Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and VIP lounges are available for passengers to wait for their flights in greater comfort. Transport connections to the city are well-organised: the centre of Mazatlán and its famous tourist "Golden Zone" can be easily reached by taxi or bus, with the journey taking approximately 20-30 minutes.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the OMA Group. Current information can be found on their official website.
• Help Desk Phone: +52 (669) 982 2399
• Airport Address: Carretera Internacional al Sur s/n, C.P. 82269, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México.
• Email: A specific email for general inquiries is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: You can follow news from the managing company OMA on their official accounts, for example, on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding luggage lost during a flight, you must contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, contact the Lost and Found service (Objetos Perdidos) via the help desk phone.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For enquiries, you can call the main airport telephone number or visit the information desks in the passenger terminal.

Mazatlán International Airport (MZT), also known as General Rafael Buelna International Airport, is located approximately 25-30 kilometres southeast of the tourist centre of Mazatlán, known as the Golden Zone (Zona Dorada). The journey from the airport to the city centre usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and the chosen mode of transport.

Taxis and transfers are the most popular and convenient ways to reach your hotel. Inside the arrivals terminal, you will find counters for official taxi services (taxis autorizados). It is recommended to use these specifically: you pay for the trip at a fixed rate depending on the destination zone and receive a voucher for the driver. This is a safe and reliable option. Collective shuttles (colectivos) are also available, which are more economical as you share the ride with other passengers. Many hotels and tour companies offer a pre-booked private transfer service, which is particularly convenient for large families or groups.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those planning to actively explore not only the city itself but also its picturesque surroundings. Offices of leading international and local rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and others, are located in the arrivals hall. It is recommended to book a car online in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to secure the best rates and guarantee vehicle availability.

Regarding public transport, there is practically no direct and convenient bus route from the airport to the tourist zones for travellers with luggage. Local buses run along the main road, but they do not enter the airport grounds, making this a less comfortable option after a flight. For tourists, it is much more practical to use the shuttles or taxis mentioned above.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available. It is located directly in front of the terminal building and offers options for both short-term and long-term stays. The parking area is secure, so you can safely leave your vehicle here for the duration of your trip.

Mazatlán International Airport (MZT), also known as General Rafael Buelna International Airport, has one main passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its compact and logical structure, the airport is very easy to navigate, and getting lost here is virtually impossible.

The terminal is functionally divided into two main levels. On the Ground Floor, you will find the arrival and check-in areas. On one side are the check-in counters for various airlines, and on the other is the arrivals area with baggage claim belts and customs control. Here you will also find car rental offices, taxi counters, and tourist information. There are no transfers between terminals as all operations are concentrated in a single building.

The Upper Floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone. After completing check-in on the ground floor, passengers proceed upstairs to pass through security control. Beyond the inspection area lies the departure lounge with boarding gates. Here you will find duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, and several cafes where you can comfortably spend time before your flight. The airport layout is intuitive, and signs in Spanish and English help you orient yourself easily.

Check-in and security procedures at Mazatlán Airport generally proceed quite quickly, as it is not as large as capital city airports. However, during the peak tourist season (from December to April), queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one to complete all formalities without rushing.

Mazatlán International Airport (MZT), officially known as General Rafael Buelna International Airport, acts as the key aerial gateway for the popular resort on Mexico's Pacific coast. It was opened in 1972 to meet the growing demand for tourist transport to the region, which was rapidly gaining popularity. The airport is named after Rafael Buelna, a prominent military figure of the Mexican Revolution and a native of the state of Sinaloa.

Since its opening, the airport has undergone several stages of development. Initially designed to serve predominantly domestic traffic, the need for expansion arose with the growing popularity of Mazatlán among tourists from the USA and Canada. A pivotal event in its modern history was the transfer of the airport to the management of the private company Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) in 2000. This served as a catalyst for large-scale infrastructure modernisation.

In 2008-2009, one of the most significant reconstructions took place: the terminal was completely renovated, the waiting area was expanded, and security and navigation systems were improved. These measures allowed the airport to meet international standards and significantly increase capacity. Today, the airport is capable of serving millions of passengers per year, receiving flights from major cities in Mexico, the USA, and Canada.

An interesting fact: the airport plays a dual role. It not only serves the tourist flow to the "Pearl of the Pacific" but is also an important cargo hub for the region. Exports of fresh seafood and agricultural produce, for which the state of Sinaloa is famous, are conducted through here. Thus, the airport makes a significant contribution to both the tourism and economic life of the entire region.

Mazatlán International Airport (MZT) offers passengers all necessary amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find various dining options: from cosy cafes serving aromatic coffee and fresh pastries to restaurants offering local and international cuisine. For those wishing to shop, there are Duty Free stores with perfumes, beverages, and sweets, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase memorable gifts from Mexico.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport features a VIP lounge where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying refreshments and snacks. Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to business matters. Stations for charging electronic devices are also provided for traveller convenience.

The airport building houses ATMs and currency exchange points, which is particularly convenient for tourists who have just arrived in Mazatlán. In case of feeling unwell or needing medical advice, a medical point is operational at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with children — there are mother and child rooms with changing tables. For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created: ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms are available, and assistance services are provided.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, several hotel complexes to suit every taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity, easily accessible by taxi. Specialised conference rooms are absent within the airport; however, basic business services, such as workspaces, may be available in the VIP lounge.

At Mazatlán International Airport (MZT), travellers will find several establishments to have a snack or a full meal before departure. While the selection is not as vast as in major international hubs, the existing cafes and dining spots offer various options to pass the time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

Most establishments are concentrated in the airside zone (sterile area), accessible after passing security. Here, passengers have several options:

• Corona Beach Bar — A great place to extend the holiday atmosphere. Here you can order refreshing beverages and classic Mexican snacks, such as nachos or guacamole.
• Henry J. Bean's Bar & Grill — If you are looking for a more substantial meal, this American-style grill bar offers burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other hot dishes.
• Sbarro — A chain familiar to many for a quick bite. Here you can grab a slice of pizza or other Italian-American classics.
• Starbucks — For those who cannot imagine travel without their customary coffee. Sandwiches and pastries are also available here.

In the public zone (landside), before security control, choices are more limited. Typically, a Starbucks coffee shop operates here, which is ideal for those seeing off or meeting passengers, or simply wanting a coffee before checking in.

If you wish to enjoy the flavours of Mexico one last time, look for local dishes that may be offered in the dining outlets — for example, tacos or quesadillas. Keep in mind that prices at the airport are significantly higher than in the city. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule — from early morning until the departure of the last plane. Vegetarian options are usually available (salads, vegetable snacks), but the selection for vegans or people with gluten intolerance may be limited, so it is better to check the ingredients with the staff.

To ensure your journey through Mazatlán International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, consider these tips. Plan to arrive at the airport in advance: approximately 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you sufficient time to complete all pre-flight formalities without rushing, especially during peak tourist seasons.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Have your passport, visa, and boarding pass ready at the airport. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices, as well as liquid containers, from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. A window seat will offer you breathtaking views of the Pacific coast upon takeoff or landing in Mazatlán. An aisle seat provides more freedom to move around the cabin, which is particularly convenient during long flights.

Pay close attention to packing your hand luggage. Remember the standard restriction on carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin. Rules may vary slightly, so always check with your airline's requirements.

If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Mazatlán. In the transit area, follow the "Connections" signs. If this is your first point of entry into Mexico, you will need to pass passport and customs control before transferring to your next flight.

Upon arrival from another country, be prepared to go through customs. You will need to complete a customs declaration. The baggage inspection procedure may be random — do not be surprised if you are asked to press a button that randomly determines whether your luggage will be inspected (green light — pass, red light — inspection).

To save money, consider booking a transfer in advance from the airport to the city, as taxi prices directly at the terminal may be higher. You can also bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative immediately for information on the new departure time and possible compensation options. Be aware of your rights as a passenger. During this time, you can explore the shops and cafes in the terminal building to pass the wait.