Puerto Vallarta International Airport saw a modest 3.3% decrease in passenger traffic in July 2024 compared to the same month last year, reflecting a broader trend across Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) airports. Despite this dip, the airport continues to demonstrate resilience and growth in the year-to-date performance, surpassing 4.3 million passengers, a 1.8% increase from the previous year.
GAP’s 12 Mexican airports collectively experienced a 4.9% reduction in total passenger traffic, with Tijuana, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta airports registering decreases of 7.9%, 5.8%, and 3.3% respectively. However, Puerto Vallarta’s year-to-date figures are a testament to its enduring appeal, with a total of 4,307,100 passengers served in the first seven months of 2024, reflecting a stable upward trajectory compared to 2023.
In July 2024, Puerto Vallarta welcomed 306,800 domestic passengers, a 1.4% increase from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in national travel. Over the first seven months of the year, domestic traffic totaled 1,624,200 passengers, slightly below last year’s figures. However, this steady flow highlights the airport’s continued importance as a domestic hub.
Internationally, the airport saw 241,500 passengers in July, marking an 8.7% decrease from the previous year. Yet, the overall international traffic for the year remains strong, with a 6.1% increase over the first seven months, showcasing Puerto Vallarta’s sustained global draw.
The decline in overall traffic across GAP airports, including Puerto Vallarta, has been attributed to necessary maintenance on Pratt & Whitney A320neo and A321neo engines, which led to an 8.7% reduction in available seats. Despite this, the load factor improved to 79.2% from 74.8% in July 2023, reflecting more efficient use of available capacity.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport’s ability to maintain strong year-to-date performance despite short-term fluctuations underscores its significance in the region. The airport’s steady growth in domestic and international traffic demonstrates its vital role as a key gateway for travelers, both within Mexico and from abroad.
As the year progresses, Puerto Vallarta continues to be a symbol of resilience and adaptability in the face of industry challenges.
