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Tepic Airport

About the Airport

Tepic Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Welcome to Tepic International Airport, also known as Amado Nervo (TPQ), named in honour of the famous Mexican poet born in this region. This airport is not merely a transport hub, but a gateway to the vibrant state of Nayarit, opening the path to the sunny beaches of Riviera Nayarit and the historic charm of the city of Tepic. Currently, the airport is undergoing a major modernisation programme to become a primary attraction centre for tourists seeking to explore the Pacific coast of Mexico. This makes it an ideal starting point for your Mexican adventure.

IATA Code TPQ
ICAO Code MMEP
City Tepic
Distance to Centre 17 km
Status International
Annual Passengers 244,531 (2023)
Popular Airlines Volaris, Aeromexico, VivaAerobus
Schedule Online Board "Tepic Airport"

Despite its modest size, Tepic Airport offers travellers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable start or end to their journey. In the terminal, you will find car rental counters, cafes, and a taxi service, making it easy to reach your hotel or nearby resorts. The airport's main advantage is its strategic location and upcoming expansion. Once modernisation is complete, it will become a key transport hub for the entire Riviera Nayarit region, significantly reducing travel time to popular destinations such as San Blas and Punta Mita. This makes it particularly attractive for tourists wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle of larger airports and reach the beach faster.

Contact Information

Below is the essential contact information for Amado Nervo International Airport (TPQ). We recommend always verifying the data on official resources before your trip.

  • Official Website: The airport is managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP). All official information, including flight status and services, is available on their portal in the section dedicated to Tepic (usually at aeropuertosgap.com.mx).
  • Information Desk Phone: The main contact number for enquiries is: +52 (311) 211 5195.
  • Airport Address: Carretera Tepic-Puerto Vallarta Km. 7.5, Pantanal, Nayarit, México.
  • Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a public email for general enquiries is typically not provided.
  • Social Media: News and operational updates can be followed on the official social media pages of the operator GAP (e.g., X (Twitter) and Facebook) under the handle @AeropuertosGAP.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport. For items left behind in the terminal, please contact the airport administration office.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or consultation, please use the information desk phone or official social media channels.

Getting to the Airport

Getting to Tepic Airport (TPQ) from the city centre of Tepic is quite simple due to its close proximity. The journey usually takes about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The most convenient and popular method is by taxi or private transfer. You can book a car via an app, hail an official taxi in the city, or arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance. This guarantees a comfortable ride at a fixed price directly to the terminal, which is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage.

For travellers on a limited budget, there is a public transport option. Although there may not be a direct express route to the airport, some city buses (camiones) pass near the airport zone. This method will require more time, a potential transfer, and a short walk to the terminal. It is the cheapest option but is recommended for those travelling light and familiar with the local transport system.

If you have been exploring the state of Nayarit in a rental car, you will easily reach the airport by following the signs. Most major rental companies have their counters or car return points directly at the airport, making the vehicle return process as quick as possible. For those arriving in their own vehicle, the airport grounds feature parking, offering both short-term and long-term options at reasonable rates.

In general, the choice of transport depends on your budget and preferences. A taxi remains the preferred standard for the balance of price and convenience. Car rental is ideal for those concluding their road trip across Mexico. Whichever method you choose, always allow a little extra time for the journey, especially during peak hours.

Terminals and Map

Tepic Airport (TPQ), also known as Amado Nervo Airport, is a compact and functional aviation hub. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making it convenient for passengers unaccustomed to huge international hubs.

A key feature of the airport in Tepic is the presence of a single passenger terminal that serves both domestic and limited international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings or using shuttles. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to the arrivals area — is located under one roof.

The terminal layout is logical and straightforward. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general hall, where airline check-in counters and several service offices, including car rental points, are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security, which leads to a small but comfortable departure area with several boarding gates. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are in close proximity to each other. The arrivals area includes baggage claim belts and customs control for international flights.

Completing all procedures at Tepic 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 departure to pass through all formalities calmly. During peak seasons or for international flight departures, it is worth allowing a little more time.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are in Spanish and English. The compact size of the building makes it impossible to get lost. Airport staff are always ready to help and suggest the right direction. Overall, Tepic Airport leaves an impression of a convenient and easy-to-navigate regional aviation hub.

Airport History

The airport in Tepic, officially known as Amado Nervo National Airport (Aeropuerto Nacional Amado Nervo), bears the name of the distinguished Mexican poet born in this city. Although the exact founding date of the airport has not been widely publicised, its modern history as an important transport hub for the state of Nayarit begins with key development stages aimed at improving the region's connection with the rest of Mexico.

A significant event in the airport's history was in 1991, when it was included in the network of the state-owned company Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). This step allowed for standardised management, improved safety levels, and the commencement of systematic infrastructure modernisation in accordance with national air transport standards.

The most extensive stage in the airport's history is unfolding currently. Comprehensive reconstruction and expansion have begun with the aim of transforming it into an international airport. The project includes the construction of a new runway, a modern passenger terminal, and a new control tower. This modernisation is intended to significantly increase capacity and serve as a catalyst for tourism development, particularly for the popular Riviera Nayarit coast.

Thus, the history of Tepic Airport is a story of gradual growth and transformation from a modest regional airfield into a modern aviation hub. Although its past lacks loud records, current investments and future plans testify to its strategic importance for the economic and tourism development of the entire state of Nayarit.

Services and Facilities

Tepic Airport (TPQ), also known as Amado Nervo National Airport, is a compact but well-equipped terminal offering passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack in a cafe, drink coffee, or experience local cuisine dishes in a small restaurant. In the airport shops, you can purchase souvenirs from the Nayarit region, travel essentials, and delicacies of Mexico.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special sockets and stands are provided for charging electronic devices. Passengers wishing to spend time in a quieter environment may use the VIP lounge services. Access conditions should be checked in advance with your airline or at the information desk.

ATMs for cash withdrawal are installed in the airport; however, currency exchange bureaus may be absent, so it is better to arrange currency exchange in advance. A mother and child room is equipped for families with small children. In case of feeling unwell, a medical point is in operation within the terminal to provide first aid.

The terminal is fully adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility — there are ramps and special restrooms, and airport staff are always ready to provide assistance. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options are located in the city of Tepic itself, situated just a few kilometres away. Specialised business centres or conference halls are absent in the airport.

Dining Options

Tepic Airport (TPQ), being a regional air hub, offers passengers a basic but sufficient selection of establishments for a snack or a full meal. All dining points are concentrated in the single terminal, so finding them will not be difficult.

The main part of the establishments is located in the public area (before security control). Here, you will usually find a small restaurant or cafe where you can sit quietly while waiting for your flight. After passing through security (in the sterile area), the choice is generally more limited and may be reduced to a small beverage counter or kiosk offering drinks and light snacks.

Travellers can expect both standard airport fare such as sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, as well as the opportunity to try simple Mexican cuisine. Look out for options such as tortas (hearty sandwiches on a bun), quesadillas, or tacos. This is an excellent chance to enjoy local flavours before departure. For a full meal, the restaurant in the public area is best suited, where the menu is more varied.

Prices for food and drinks at the airport in Tepic, as in most airports around the world, are somewhat higher than in the city. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last. Regarding special dietary requirements, finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes here may be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to carry their own snacks.

For a quick snack before boarding, the kiosk in the departure zone is ideal, where you can buy water, fizzy drinks, crisps, or packaged biscuits. If you have time, it is better to dine in the cafe in the main hall before security, where you can order a hot meal and relax in a more comfortable setting.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport in Tepic goes as smoothly as possible, make use of these tips. They will help save time, money, and stress, making the start or end of your trip to Mexico pleasant and comfortable.

Arrival time at the airport. Tepic Airport (TPQ) is not among the giant hubs, so queues here are usually shorter. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight departure and 3 hours before an international one. This time is sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight security without rushing.

Check-in and security control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. This way, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the dedicated counter. When passing through security control, have your passport and boarding pass ready in advance, remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, and pack liquids in a transparent bag.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you magnificent views during take-off and landing. Aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely. If it is important for you to leave the plane quickly upon arrival, choose seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand luggage: what is allowed and prohibited. Standard rules apply here: liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Important: the import of many types of seeds, plants, and fresh produce into Mexico is prohibited, so it is better to refrain from carrying them in hand luggage.

For passengers with transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage in Tepic. Leave enough time between flights — at least 1.5-2 hours — to calmly pass all necessary formalities, which may include a repeat security check.

Customs control. Upon entering Mexico, you will need to complete a customs declaration. The country operates a "traffic light" system: after collecting luggage, you press a button. If a green light appears, you pass without inspection; if red, your luggage will be checked by a customs officer. Be prepared for this and declare all necessary goods honestly.

Saving time and money. Book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so a light snack can be brought along.

If the flight is delayed. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. Depending on the waiting duration, you may be provided with food vouchers or even hotel accommodation. Monitor information on the departure boards and in the airline's app. The airport has cafes and shops where you can pass the time.

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