Guadalajara, Jalisco, México – Jalisco is expanding its global reach as state officials strengthen relationships with major airlines and promote new opportunities for air service. Tourism leaders recently highlighted the state’s growing connectivity and airport investments during one of the aviation industry’s most influential gatherings.
State representatives, led by the Jalisco Ministry of Tourism, concluded a series of strategic meetings at Routes Americas 2026, held March 3–5 in Rio de Janeiro. The international forum brings together airline executives, airport authorities, and tourism officials from across the Americas and Europe to plan future air routes and partnerships.
During the event, the Jalisco delegation held more than 30 meetings with airline leaders and industry decision-makers to strengthen the state’s air connectivity and expand tourism markets. Officials presented opportunities for both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, highlighting the diverse travel experiences the state offers.
Guadalajara was promoted as a growing hub for business, technology, and urban tourism, while Puerto Vallarta was showcased as one of Latin America’s premier luxury beach destinations. Beyond these coastal and metropolitan draws, officials highlighted the state’s extensive network of 12 Pueblos Mágicos (“Magical Towns”) and improved road connectivity, offering airlines a compelling case for expanding routes into the heart of the region.
Supporting these promotional efforts is a massive infrastructure project led by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico. A historic investment of 26 billion pesos is currently fueling the modernization and expansion of both the Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta international airports. These substantial upgrades ensure that the state’s physical capacity matches its growing reputation, providing the necessary foundation for increased flight frequencies and new international gateways.
During the forum, high-level discussions took place with a variety of major carriers, including British Airways, Air France, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Condor from Europe; LATAM Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca, and GOL Linhas Aéreas from Latin America; and North American carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, and Southwest Airlines. Conversations focused on potential new routes and increased flight frequencies to the state.
The state’s recent aviation growth reflects the success of outreach efforts such as these. Since 2025, Jalisco has added 39 new air routes. Today, Puerto Vallarta’s airport serves 14 domestic and 42 international routes, while Guadalajara maintains fifty-four active routes with an average of 166 daily operations.
This expanding network has helped drive record passenger traffic. In 2025, more than 25.6 million travelers passed through the state’s two main airports, representing a four percent increase compared to the previous year.
As the state prepares to host massive global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the inaugural ITB Americas trade show in November, these infrastructure and connectivity gains are more vital than ever. With a robust hotel capacity of over 83,000 rooms, Jalisco remains one of Mexico’s most competitive and accessible strategic points in the international air network.
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