Colombia and Mexico Lead Air Tourism Recovery in 2026

Miami: International airport operator ASUR published its January 2026 passenger traffic data, revealing contrasting trends in its main markets: Colombia led growth with a 15% increase in total passengers, while Mexico recorded a more modest 0.9% growth. Puerto Rico experienced a 2.1% decline.

Colombia was the big surprise of the report. Domestic traffic grew 18.3% year-on-year, driven by greater connectivity on secondary routes, growth in domestic tourism, and a recovery in consumer confidence. International traffic grew 5.2%, with the José María Córdova airport in Rionegro, serving Medellín, as one of the continent's fastest-expanding hubs.

Mexico Maintains Regional Leadership

With 0.9% growth, Mexico maintained its position as ASUR's largest aviation market, although growth is more moderate than in previous years. Domestic traffic fell 1.2% while international traffic grew 2.5%, with Cancún International Airport as its main driver thanks to sun and beach tourism.

Puerto Rico recorded a 2.6% decline in domestic traffic, although international traffic grew 1.8%. Analysts attribute the domestic decline to the territory's economic contraction and the deferred effects of the 2024 hurricanes on smaller-scale air infrastructure.

Outlook for 2026

Total passengers across ASUR's networks in January 2026 reached 6.7 million, with an overall increase of 3.6% compared to January 2025. The Latin American airline sector faces 2026 with moderate optimism, benefiting from the strength of international tourism and growing demand for regional connectivity, though pressured by higher fuel prices stemming from Middle East tensions.