Piedras Negras International Airport

Piedras Negras International Airport (PDS) serves as a compact yet strategically vital air gateway in northern Mexico, connecting the state of Coahuila with the country's key economic centres. This small aviation hub is distinguished by its tranquil atmosphere, allowing travellers to avoid the stress and hustle characteristic of congested metropolitan airports. Due to its location in immediate proximity to the US border, it plays a key role for both business people and tourists who value time and comfort.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Speed of Service: The airport's main advantage is its compact nature. Check-in, baggage drop, and security screening take mere minutes, allowing you to arrive just an hour or an hour and a half before departure without the risk of being late.
• Strategic Location: The airport is located just a 10-15 minute drive from the city centre and the US border (Eagle Pass, Texas), making it a convenient transit point for international travellers planning to cross the border by land.
• Comfort and Navigation: Unlike huge hubs, it is impossible to get lost here. The entire path from the terminal entrance to boarding is intuitively clear, and the staff are noted for their friendliness and readiness to assist.
• Infrastructure Development: In recent years, the airport has been actively modernised under state management, aiming to improve service quality and expand the route network for the convenience of residents and visitors to the region.

Below you will find contact details for Piedras Negras International Airport (PDS), which will help you plan your trip and contact its services.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official page on the Mexican government portal: www.gob.mx/asa.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call the main airport number: +52 (878) 782 0306.
• Airport Address: Aeropuerto Internacional de Piedras Negras, Carretera Piedras Negras - Acuña Km. 11.5, C.P. 26080, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, México.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website or contact them by phone.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own active social media pages. News and updates can be tracked on the official accounts of the operator, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative at the airport. Staff at the information desk can also provide necessary assistance.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main airport information phone number is used for passenger support.

Getting to Piedras Negras International Airport (PDS) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres away. The most popular and convenient method is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. The journey from the centre of Piedras Negras usually takes about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. You can call a car via local taxi services or use mobile ride-hailing apps that operate in Mexico. This is a reliable option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family.

Public transport options for travelling to the airport may be limited. Direct bus routes from the city centre to the airport are infrequent, making this option less predictable. Some city or suburban buses (*colectivos*) may pass nearby, but you will likely have to walk from the stop. If you wish to save money, we recommend checking the current schedule and routes with local transport companies in advance. However, for convenience and time-saving, most tourists prefer taxis.

If you value independence and plan to travel around the region extensively, car rental is an excellent choice. You can rent a car at one of the agencies in the city and drive to the airport yourself. The road is well-signposted, and navigation will not cause difficulties. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, there are parking facilities on the airport grounds where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. This is a safe and convenient option for travellers on wheels.

To summarise, the choice of transport depends on your budget and preferences. A taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to get to the terminal without hassle. Car rental offers maximum freedom of movement, especially if the airport is just one point on your itinerary. Public transport is the most budget-friendly but also the least predictable option. We recommend planning your departure to the airport with plenty of time to avoid rushing before your flight.

Piedras Negras International Airport (PDS) is a compact and convenient aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal which handles all flights — both domestic and international. Thanks to this, passengers do not need to worry about moving between different buildings, making the journey as comfortable as possible.

The terminal layout is very simple. The building is logically divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, which leads to a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in another part of the building and includes the baggage claim belt and customs control.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Piedras Negras Airport usually takes little time. Due to low passenger traffic, queues for check-in and security are typically minimal. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight to go through all procedures without rushing. On average, check-in and security screening take no more than 30-40 minutes.

Navigation within the terminal is intuitive thanks to its compact dimensions and clear signage. All key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates and baggage claim areas — are within walking distance of each other. Getting lost here is practically impossible, which is a great advantage for travellers who value their time and peace of mind.

The history of Piedras Negras International Airport (IATA: PDS) is inextricably linked to the economic development of the northern region of Mexico. The official date of its entry into the national aviation network is considered to be June 1, 1965, when it was included under the federal operator Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). From that moment, the airport began to play a key role as an air gateway on the US border, receiving international status and becoming an official point of entry into the country, highlighting its strategic importance for trade and tourism.

Over the decades under ASA management, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation. One of the most significant projects was implemented in 2013-2014. This update involved the reconstruction and expansion of the passenger terminal, as well as improvements to the runway and lighting system. These works allowed the airport to meet modern safety standards and accommodate medium-sized aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, serving the needs of business travellers and tourists in the region.

A turning point in the airport's recent history was October 2021, when management was transferred from the federal operator ASA to the government of the State of Coahuila. This step was aimed at increasing the efficiency of the air harbour and integrating it more closely into regional economic projects. The new leadership set a goal to attract new airlines, including cargo carriers, and increase passenger traffic, which stood at around 26,000 people per year prior to the pandemic (in 2019).

An interesting feature of the airport is its multifunctionality. Besides serving commercial and private flights, its infrastructure is also used for the needs of the Mexican National Guard, making it a facility of not only civil but also strategic importance. Despite modest transport volumes by national standards, PDS remains a vital and reliable transport hub for the northern part of the state of Coahuila, ensuring connectivity with other regions of the country.

Piedras Negras International Airport (PDS) is a compact regional hub offering passengers a basic set of amenities. Given its small size, the terminal's infrastructure is focused on providing the bare essentials for a comfortable but short wait for a flight, without a wide range of services.

Travellers have access to a waiting lounge, and typically free Wi-Fi is available, allowing you to stay connected. Dining options are usually limited to vending machines with drinks and light snacks or a small buffet. It is important to note that the airport lacks services such as full-service restaurants, duty-free shops, currency exchange bureaus, or VIP lounges.

For all additional services, including finding a hotel, full meals, or banking operations, you should head to the city of Piedras Negras, which is a few minutes' drive away. When planning travel through Mexico via this airport, it is recommended to resolve all financial and domestic matters in advance or upon arrival in the city.

When planning a snack at Piedras Negras International Airport (PDS), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport. The choice of establishments here is generally limited, so one should not expect a wide variety of restaurants. Most often, passengers have access to one or two small cafes or snack bars located in the main terminal building.

The main offering of such establishments consists of quick and convenient options for a pre-flight snack. Here you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as find sandwiches, pastries, and packaged snacks (crisps, nuts, chocolate). This is quite sufficient to satisfy hunger while waiting for a flight, but for a full lunch or dinner, it is recommended to eat in the city of Piedras Negras before arriving at the airport.

Regarding local cuisine, simple traditional snacks might be offered in a small cafe, but this is not guaranteed. For travellers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those seeking gluten-free or Halal meals), it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. The assortment at the airport will most likely not be designed for such specific requests.

Food outlets are usually located in the public area (before security control), which is convenient for those seeing passengers off. Their operating hours are generally synchronised with the flight schedule — the cafe opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last one leaves. Be prepared for prices for food and drinks at the airport to be somewhat higher than in the city.

To ensure your journey through Piedras Negras International Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. The airport mainly serves domestic flights, so it is not as busy as major hubs, but preparation is still important.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to calmly go through all procedures. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website if such an option is available. This will allow you to proceed directly to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening area.

Security Screening and Hand Luggage: At security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and identification. Electronics (laptops, tablets) are usually required to be placed in a separate tray. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag are permitted. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat for beautiful views, or an aisle seat for freedom of movement.

Customs Control and Transfers: Since the city is located on the border, customs control may be more thorough, especially if you are arriving from another country. Fill out all necessary declarations in advance and keep your documents at hand. If you have a connecting flight, ensure you have enough time between flights (minimum 1.5 hours). Clarify whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Piedras Negras.

Savings and Contingencies: To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security. You can also bring a light snack, as food choices in small airports may be limited. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Find out about your rights to compensation, provision of meals, or accommodation, especially during long delays.