Puerto Escondido Airport

The Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) serves as the aerial gateway to the Emerald Coast of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico, welcoming travellers with an atmosphere of relaxation and the anticipation of surfing. This compact and lively airport is one of the fastest-growing in the country, thanks to the resort's incredible popularity among wave enthusiasts and beach lovers. Despite its modest size, it efficiently handles the constantly growing flow of tourists, serving as a starting point for exploring famous beaches such as Zicatela and Carrizalillo.

The main advantage of Puerto Escondido Airport is its compactness and simplicity. There is only one terminal housing the check-in counters, departure, and arrival zones, making navigation intuitively clear and fast. The building features several cafés where you can have a snack, as well as souvenir shops. Thanks to its location, you can reach most hotels and the famous Zicatela beach in just 10-15 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus. The airport primarily serves domestic flights from major cities such as Mexico City and Guadalajara, as well as some international charter and scheduled flights, connecting this paradise corner with the rest of the world.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM). We recommend verifying the data on official resources before your trip, as details may change.

• Official Website: You can find the most accurate and up-to-date information on flight schedules, services, and passenger regulations on the official website of the airport operator, ASA: www.asa.gob.mx/es/aeropuertos/puerto-escondido.
• Information Desk Phone: +52 954 582 0492. Please note that the number may change, so we advise checking it on the official website.
• Airport Address: Carretera Costera Km. 6.5, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email for general inquiries. To contact the management company, it is recommended to use the contact forms on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own official pages. For news and updates from the management company, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), you can follow their accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's representative directly at the airport. The air carrier is solely responsible for checked baggage.
• Passenger Support Service: For any questions arising within the terminal, you can approach the information desk or any airport staff member.

The Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city's main tourist areas. The journey from the centre, Zicatela Beach, or La Punta to the terminal usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes by car, making the trip quick and tireless.

The most common and convenient way to get from the airport is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Right inside the building at the exit, you will find counters for official transport providers. Here you can choose one of two options: colectivo (collective taxi) or especial (private). Colectivo is a minibus that drops off several passengers at their hotels; this is the most budget-friendly option, with the trip costing approximately 100-150 MXN per person. Especial is a standard taxi that will take you directly to your destination without stops, which is faster and more comfortable; its price ranges from 300 to 450 MXN per car depending on the destination zone. Payment is made at the counter, where you are given a receipt for the driver.

For those who prefer freedom of movement and plan to explore the scenic coast of Mexico on their own, renting a car is the ideal solution. Several car rental company counters operate at Puerto Escondido Airport. It is recommended to book a vehicle online in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee availability and secure a better price.

If you cannot find convenient flights to Puerto Escondido, consider flying into neighbouring airports. The nearest is Huatulco Airport (HUX), located approximately a 2-hour drive away. From there, you can reach Puerto Escondido via comfortable ADO buses or faster shuttle vans. Another option is Xoxocotlán Airport (OAX) in Oaxaca City. The journey from there will take significantly longer (about 7-8 hours) but will allow you to enjoy mountain views on a bus or shuttle.

There are no direct public transport routes (city buses) to the airport terminal. Theoretically, one could walk to the main highway (Carretera Costera 200), which passes about 500 metres from the airport, and wait for a passing bus there. However, for tourists with luggage, this method is extremely inconvenient. For those arriving at the airport in a personal or rented car, paid parking is available on the premises.

The Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) is a small and compact regional airport, which makes navigating it extremely simple. There is only one small terminal that serves both domestic and the few international flights. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all infrastructure is located within a single building.

The terminal layout is very straightforward. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters for several airlines are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint, behind which lies a small waiting hall with departure gates. The departure and arrival zones are effectively in different parts of the same hall: arriving passengers enter the baggage claim section with one conveyor belt and exit into the same general area where greeters and taxi counters are located.

A distinctive feature of the terminal is its semi-open construction, typical for airports in hot climates. There are no jet bridges here — boarding and disembarking are done by walking across the tarmac. Due to the compact size and low passenger volume, all procedures are completed very quickly. Check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to handle all formalities without haste.

For navigation, it is sufficient to follow the few signs, which are mostly duplicated in English. The entire path from the building entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive and represents a straight line. The airport has basic amenities: a small café, several souvenir shops, and car rental counters. Since there are no transfers between terminals, all services are available in one place.

The history of Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) is inextricably linked to the transformation of Puerto Escondido from a humble fishing village into a global centre for surfing and tourism. Although a small airstrip existed here previously, the airport received official status and development in the 1980s. It was during this time that the government of Mexico, realising the tourism potential of the Oaxaca coast, began investing in its infrastructure to make the region accessible to travellers.

Over the decades, the airport developed gradually, reflecting the growing popularity of the resort itself. Initially, it served mainly small private planes and regional flights. Over time, under the management of the state-owned company Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), the terminal was expanded, and the runway was improved to accommodate larger turboprop and small jet aircraft. This allowed for stable air connections with Mexico City and other major cities in the country, which became a key factor for the tourism boom.

The most significant stage in the airport's history began in 2023, when a large-scale reconstruction and modernisation project was launched. This ambitious project includes the construction of a completely new terminal, a new control tower, and the extension of the runway. The goal of the modernisation is to increase capacity from 500,000 to more than 2 million passengers per year and gain the ability to receive larger aircraft, opening doors for direct international flights from the USA, Canada, and other countries.

Interestingly, despite its growing importance, Puerto Escondido Airport long retained the atmosphere of a small and cosy provincial air station, which added charm to the journey. Its history is a path from a simple airstrip in the jungle to a modern gateway to one of Mexico's most famous coastlines. The transformation into a major modern hub marks a new era for the entire region, promising even more opportunities for travellers from around the world.

Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM), despite its compact size, provides passengers with all essential amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. Here you will find several small cafés and snack bars where you can have sandwiches, coffee, or refreshing drinks. Souvenir shops are also open, offering goods from local artisans, beachwear, and other useful travel items.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal. The waiting hall has power outlets for charging mobile devices, although their number may be limited during peak hours. It is worth noting that there are no specialized VIP lounges or business lounges at this airport, which are typical for major international hubs.

Financial services are represented by ATMs where you can withdraw Mexican pesos. A small currency exchange point may also function, but generally, exchange rates in the city are more favourable. In case of necessity, there is a first aid station at the airport.

The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility — there are ramps and accessible toilets. Passengers requiring additional assistance, such as a wheelchair, are recommended to contact their airline in advance. For travellers with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms.

There are no hotels or business centres on the airport premises. However, thanks to the convenient location, a multitude of hotels and apartments to suit any taste and budget can be found just a 5-10 minute taxi ride away. Conference halls and meeting rooms are absent in the terminal, as it is oriented primarily towards tourist traffic.

Puerto Escondido Airport (PXM) is a compact regional airport, so the selection of dining establishments here is quite modest but allows for a comfortable snack before departure. Do not expect a food court with global chains, but you will not go hungry.

The main cafés and snack bars are located in the single terminal, predominantly in the public area before security control (landside). Here you can find several small family-style establishments offering basic dishes of Mexican and international cuisine. This is the best place for a full lunch or breakfast.

What to try:

Being in the state of Oaxaca, which is considered the gastronomic capital of Mexico, it is worth paying attention to local specialities. In the airport cafés, you can order quesadillas with quesillo (local string cheese), simple tacos, or mini versions of tlayudas. Be sure to try the local coffee — it is of excellent quality here. For a light snack, fresh juices or "aguas frescas" (fruit waters) are perfect.

After passing security (airside), the choice becomes very limited. In the departure zone, there is usually one small counter or kiosk where you can buy beverages (water, soft drinks, and other refreshments), coffee, as well as packaged snacks like chips, nuts, and biscuits. Sometimes ready-made sandwiches are available for sale, but you should not count on hot meals here.

Practical Information:

• Price Range: Prices at the airport are noticeably higher than in the city of Puerto Escondido, but remain acceptable by airport standards.
• Opening Hours: Establishments operate according to the flight schedule, usually opening in the morning and closing after the departure of the last evening flight.
• Dietary Options: There are no specialized vegan or gluten-free menus here. However, vegetarians can order dishes with cheese, beans, or vegetables. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you.
• Recommendation: For a full meal, the cafés in the public area before security are most suitable. If you only need a quick snack or drink before boarding, the kiosk in the departure zone will suffice.

When planning a trip through Puerto Escondido Airport, it is important to calculate your time correctly. Although it is a small regional airport, it can get crowded during the peak season. We recommend arriving 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Check-in counters may operate at a leisurely pace, so having extra time is beneficial.

The security screening procedure at the airport is standard. Be prepared to remove all electronic devices as well as liquids from your hand luggage. We remind you that liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. Always keep valuables, documents, money, and necessary medication with you in your hand luggage; do not check them in.

If you want to enjoy picturesque views of the Pacific coast of Mexico, choose a window seat when checking in for your flight. When departing from or arriving in Puerto Escondido, stunning panoramas of beaches and the ocean may open up to you. Check with the airline representative which side will offer the best views depending on the flight route.

For passengers arriving on international flights, customs control is in place. You may be required to fill out a customs declaration. Mexican airports often use a "red and green light" system with random selection: by pressing a button, you determine whether your luggage will be inspected (red light) or not (green light).

Puerto Escondido Airport is not a major transit hub, so transfers here are rare. If you have a flight with a connection in another Mexican city, for example, in Mexico City, please note that you will likely have to collect your luggage, pass through customs control, and re-check it for the next flight. Allow at least 3 hours for this.

To save money, book a transfer from the airport online in advance — taxis on the spot may cost more. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally inflated, so it is better to have a snack before arriving.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Leisure opportunities in the small terminal are limited. Ensure your phone and other gadgets are charged, or bring a portable charger. Contact your airline representative to learn about your rights — in some cases, you may be provided with vouchers for food or drinks.