Spirit
Airlines has put its plans to start flying to Tulum’s Felipe Carrillo
Puerto International Airport (TQO) on hold before it even began welcoming
international airlines.
In a statement
issued to The Points
Guy (TPG), the ultra-low-cost carrier confirmed that it is putting off its
previously planned service to Mexico’s newest major airport, citing ongoing
operational challenges.
Spirit pointed to
continuing issues with Airbus
A321neo engines made by Pratt & Whitney—which were recalled after it
was discovered that their cores contained contaminated metal—as the reason for
postponing the start of its service to Tulum indefinitely.
This decision
comes as dozens of Spirit's aircraft remain grounded due to these engine
defects. According to executives on an earnings call last week, the issue is impacting
the airline's efforts to return to profitability and has forced the carrier to cut
other routes in recent months.
Spirit originally
intended to commence flights to Tulum once the airport opens to international
airlines on March 28, with service from both Orlando
International Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
(FLL). The airport has been open for domestic operations since December 2023.
According to a
spokesperson, the carrier will be contacting customers with existing bookings
to offer alternative flights or refunds.
"We apologize
to our guests for any inconvenience," Spirit said in a statement to TPG.
"We look forward to the opportunity to serve Tulum in the future and will
share more once we have an updated schedule."
The Temple of the God of Wind in Tulum, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Eric Lindberg)
While Spirit
grapples with these setbacks, other major U.S. carriers are moving forward with
plans to serve Tulum, an increasingly popular tourism hotspot in the state of Quintana
Roo.
American Airlines
intends to operate flights to Tulum from Miami
International Airport (MIA), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), and
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) starting in April.
Similarly, United
Airlines plans to fly to Tulum from Chicago
's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Newark Liberty International Airport
(IAH), and Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), with service
from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to follow later this year.
Delta Air Lines
will offer nonstop service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Airport (ATL).
For travelers who
want to stick with Spirit, the airline continues to serve Cancun International
Airport (CUN), which isn’t too far from Tulum—roughly 70 miles, or a drive of
about two hours.
Additionally,
Spirit remains optimistic about the future, emphasizing that the postponement
of its Tulum service is temporary, with plans to resume operations once
feasible.
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