US Airlines Carrying Record Number of Passengers to Mexico

Image: Cozumel, Mexico. (photo via Petra Urbath / EyeEm)
Image: Cozumel, Mexico. (photo via Petra Urbath / EyeEm)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 3:26 PM ET, Fri August 27, 2021

Airlines in the United States carried more travelers to Mexico in July than at any point in history, breaking all-time records and exceeding pre-pandemic totals.

According to The Riviera Maya News, the Secretariat de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) announced that the five largest carriers in the U.S. transported 2.3 million passengers to and from Mexico in July, the highest on record.

American Airlines carried 24.3 percent more passengers than in July of 2019, while United Airlines carried 22.2 percent more passengers when compared to the same period. Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue also saw a substantial increase in passenger totals.

Other low-cost carriers have also found success in Mexico, as Spirit Airlines saw passenger totals increase by 146 percent from 50,936 in July of 2019 to 125,542 in July of 2021 after opening new routes to Puerto Vallarta.

Earlier this month, Alaska Airlines announced new service between San Francisco International Airport and Loreto, Mazatlan and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico, starting on December 18.

While the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the surge of Delta variant cases has impacted the travel industry, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that his country has no plans of asking residents and arriving tourists for proof of COVID-19 vaccination.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Mexico's Pacific ParadiseMonday, October 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most captivating beach destinations. Nestled between...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...
Watch Now!
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Mexico's Pacific ParadiseMonday, October 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most captivating beach destinations. Nestled between...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...