Guadalajara, Jalisco, México – Jalisco is reaching new heights in global connectivity as Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro announced a major expansion of 11 new air routes operated by Volaris. This strategic growth prepares the state for the arrival of approximately three million visitors expected for the 2026 World Cup.
The expansion, set to begin on June 1st and 2nd, introduces eight new routes from Guadalajara and three from Puerto Vallarta. Travelers in Puerto Vallarta will gain direct access to Puebla, Aguascalientes, and San Luis Potosí. Meanwhile, Guadalajara will launch connections to several key domestic cities, including Querétaro, Reynosa, and Saltillo, alongside new international flights to Salt Lake City and Detroit.
A particularly notable addition is the new direct flight between Guadalajara and Medellín, Colombia. This route is specifically designed to support the Colombian National Team, which will host its training camp in Jalisco. Governor Lemus emphasized that this connection will foster both athletic and cultural exchange between the two regions. The Detroit route also holds special significance for soccer fans, as it links two official World Cup venues: Akron Stadium in Jalisco and Ford Field in Michigan.
These 11 additions bring the total number of new air connections in Jalisco to 28 since the start of 2025. To accommodate the rising demand, Volaris will utilize Airbus A320 aircraft, each offering a capacity of 186 seats.
This fleet expansion is matched by significant land-based investments. Volaris and Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) have signed a letter of intent to build a massive maintenance base at the Guadalajara International Airport. This $18 million project will span 150,000 square meters and include a specialized apron for aircraft servicing.
The state’s vision for the aerospace industry extends into education and infrastructure as well. In a pioneering move with the University of Guadalajara, the Governor announced plans for Mexico’s first aeronautical university, to be located near the airport. Additionally, road projects are moving forward quickly, with the first phase of the Chapala Highway renovation scheduled for completion before the World Cup kicks off.
Jalisco’s tourism sector continues to show remarkable strength under the leadership of Secretary of Tourism Michelle Fridman Hirsch. The state recently celebrated a year with nearly 34 million visitors, and early 2025 data already shows a 3.3 percent increase in air passengers compared to the previous year. In 2024, the airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta combined to serve over 26 million travelers, proving the region’s status as a top-tier destination.
As Volaris celebrates 20 years of operation in the state, its impact remains clear. The airline transported 10.8 million passengers in 2025 and currently holds a 57 percent market share in Guadalajara. Through these robust investments in flights, education, and infrastructure, Jalisco is not only preparing for a world-class sporting event but is also securing its future as a competitive leader in North American logistics and tourism.
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