Last updated November 7, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
Tulum now has its own international airport, and that changes how a private jet trip to the Riviera Maya works. Tulum International Airport “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” (TQO / MMTL) has a 3,700-meter runway and a terminal used only for private aviation, so you can clear Mexican customs and immigration close to Tulum instead of landing in Cancún. This guide covers the 2026–27 winter dates that matter, distances from major US cities, the FBO’s hours, Mexico’s arrival rules for charter flights and the return to the United States.
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2026–27 winter dates for private flights to Tulum
| Date | What happens | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| November 16, 2026 | Mexican Revolution Day holiday (third Monday of November) | A Mexican federal rest day; confirm customs arrangements for arrivals |
| November 25–29, 2026 | Thanksgiving week (Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 26) | One of the busiest weeks of the winter for US travelers; book early |
| November 30, 2026 | Atlantic hurricane season ends | NOAA’s Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30 |
| December 24, 2026 – January 3, 2027 | Christmas and New Year’s | The peak stretch; December 25 and January 1 are holidays in Mexico, so arrange customs ahead of time |
| January 18, 2027 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | A popular US long weekend |
| February 1, 2027 | Mexican Constitution Day holiday (first Monday of February) | A Mexican federal rest day; confirm customs arrangements for arrivals |
| February 15, 2027 | Presidents’ Day | A popular US long weekend |
Sources: NOAA National Hurricane Center; Mexico’s Federal Labor Law, Article 74 (federal rest days). US holiday dates are federal holidays.
Holidays matter for more than demand. AOPA notes that an extra immigration fee applies to landings on weekends or outside an airport’s normal operating hours, and that overtime fees may accrue for late arrivals. We confirm customs and immigration timing with the operator before you fly.
How far is Tulum by private jet?
| From | Great-circle distance to Tulum (TQO) | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Executive (TMB) | 517 nm | A short international hop |
| Miami-Opa Locka (OPF) | 534 nm | A short international hop |
| Tampa (TPA) | 546 nm | Similar to South Florida |
| Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) | 549 nm | Similar to Miami |
| New Orleans (MSY) | 606 nm | Across the Gulf |
| Houston Hobby (HOU) | 703 nm | Light and midsize jets commonly fly this distance |
| Austin (AUS) | 810 nm | Similar to Houston |
| Atlanta DeKalb-Peachtree (PDK) | 842 nm | Operator confirms nonstop for the aircraft |
| Dallas Love (DAL) | 906 nm | Operator confirms nonstop for the aircraft |
| Nashville (BNA) | 959 nm | Operator confirms nonstop for the aircraft |
| Charlotte (CLT) | 970 nm | Operator confirms nonstop for the aircraft |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | 1,245 nm | Midsize jets and up, or a fuel stop |
| Chicago Executive (PWK) | 1,317 nm | Midsize jets and up, or a fuel stop |
| Teterboro (TEB) | 1,423 nm | See our New York to Tulum route |
| Westchester (HPN) | 1,443 nm | Similar to Teterboro |
| Denver Centennial (APA) | 1,463 nm | Midsize jets and up, or a fuel stop |
| Boston Hanscom (BED) | 1,574 nm | Super-midsize or larger for the most margin |
| Van Nuys (VNY) | 1,839 nm | Super-midsize or larger for the most margin |
Distances calculated from OurAirports coordinates. Published aircraft range is not trip range: the operator confirms every leg against passengers, bags, winds, runway and reserves.
From Florida and the Gulf Coast, Tulum is a short international trip that light jets can cover. From Atlanta, Dallas and the Carolinas, distances of about 850 to 970 nm suit light and midsize jets. From the New York area, about 1,420 nm each way, a midsize or super-midsize jet gives the most comfort and margin. Request a Tulum quote and we will show which aircraft can fly nonstop each way.
Which airport for Tulum?
| Airport (IATA / ICAO) | Location | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tulum International “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” (TQO / MMTL) | Federal Highway 307 at km 201, Felipe Carrillo Puerto municipality | Declared an international airport in November 2023. Runway 3,700 m by 45 m. A dedicated private aviation (FBO) terminal with on-site customs and immigration |
| Cancún International (CUN / MMUN) | About 68 nm northeast of TQO | The region’s main airport and an alternative if Tulum’s FBO hours or ramp space do not fit your schedule; the drive to Tulum is much longer |
| Cozumel International (CZM / MMCZ) | On Cozumel island, about 46 nm from TQO | For trips to the island itself rather than Tulum |
Sources: Diario Oficial de la Federación, decree of November 29, 2023 declaring Tulum an international airport; Tulum International Airport FBO page; OurAirports coordinate data.
For most Tulum trips, TQO is the airport to use. The federal decree that made it international describes a 3,700 by 45 meter runway and authorizes international arrivals of private and charter aircraft, with immigration, customs, health and security authorities working on site. The airport is run by Grupo Aeroportuario, Ferroviario, de Servicios Auxiliares y Conexos Olmeca-Maya-Mexica, a majority state-owned company.
The Tulum FBO: hours and services
Private flights use a separate FBO terminal at TQO. Its own page lists parking for category A, B and C aircraft, hangar space, fuel, ground power, VIP lounges, catering, ground transportation coordination and customs assistance, with Mexico’s civil aviation, immigration, customs and agricultural health agencies present. The FBO lists its operations line as open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
That window matters. Plan arrivals and departures inside FBO hours, and ask before booking a late-evening arrival. At Tulum airport, the November 2023 federal decree assigns migration, customs, health and security authorities to inspect arriving passengers and aircraft, so a handler who knows the field helps. The operator and its handler arrange this; your job is to send passport details early.
Tulum is on Mexico’s southeast time zone, UTC−5, all year with no daylight saving time. In winter that is the same time as New York and one hour ahead of Houston and Chicago.
Arriving in Mexico by private jet
- Airport of entry. AOPA notes that tourist visas are obtained at the first airport of entry. The November 2023 federal decree enabled TQO for international arrivals and assigns migration, customs, health and security authorities to inspect them.
- Charter permits. Mexican entry authorizations and document checks take time, and AOPA lists a valid Air Operator Certificate among the documents for charter flights. Book early so the operator has time.
- Passenger lists. Since September 17, 2025, private and charter operators send Mexico’s immigration institute the passenger and crew list in two steps: within two hours before departure, then a confirmation once the doors close and before takeoff.
- Insurance. AOPA says FAA Part 135 operators must carry worldwide insurance and a Mexican insurance policy issued in Mexico.
- Passports. Every passenger needs a current passport. AOPA notes that children traveling with only one parent need a notarized letter of approval from the absent parent stating the dates of the trip.
- Fees. AOPA reports higher Mexican immigration and service fees from January 1, 2026. These are set by the government, airports and FBOs, and appear in the operator’s quote.
AOPA also notes that Mexico’s rules keep changing, reports inconsistencies at Mexican airports and suggests using a Mexican trip handler. The operator and its handler confirm the latest rules for Tulum before every trip.
Flying back to the United States
Under 19 CFR 122.23 and 122.24, most private and charter aircraft arriving from Mexico must give CBP notice of arrival and make their first US landing at a designated airport near the point where they cross the border or coastline. For flights from Tulum, the list includes Key West, Miami International, Opa-locka, Tamiami (Miami Executive), Fort Lauderdale Executive, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Tampa, New Orleans Lakefront and Houston Hobby. The rule does not apply to aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats or 7,500 lb of payload flying on demand.
Operators can apply for a CBP Border Overflight Exemption, made through eAPIS, which lets them skip that first stop and fly on to another CBP airport. Whether your flight has one depends on the operator. Either way, the operator files the passenger manifest with CBP before departure, and you clear customs at the first US airport. We tell you on the quote where that first landing will be. For South Florida travelers, the designated airport is often your home airport anyway.
What winter in Tulum looks like
Winter is the main season for private trips to Tulum. Atlantic hurricane season ends November 30, and the US holiday weeks from Thanksgiving through Presidents’ Day are when demand is highest. Because the FBO works set hours and charter permits need lead time, the holiday weeks reward early planning.
If your dates are flexible, a few days either side of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s can make the trip easier to plan. For the same reason, avoid scheduling an arrival late on a Mexican holiday unless the operator has confirmed customs in advance.
Planning tips
- Book early for the holidays. Mexican entry authorizations take time, and peak weeks fill fast.
- Arrive inside FBO hours. The Tulum FBO lists 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
- Send passport details early. Mexico and CBP both need accurate passenger lists before departure.
- Ask where the first US landing is. It may be a Florida or Gulf Coast airport unless the operator holds an overflight exemption.
- Compare airports. If Tulum’s hours do not fit, ask us about Cancún.
Get a Tulum quote
Tell us your city, dates, passengers and bags, and we will line up options from Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated operators. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661.
FAQs
Can you fly a private jet directly to Tulum?
Yes. Tulum International Airport “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” (TQO) was declared an international airport in November 2023. It has a 3,700 m runway and a dedicated FBO terminal with on-site customs and immigration, so private and charter jets can fly in directly from the United States.
What airport do private jets use for Tulum?
Most use Tulum International (TQO / MMTL), on Federal Highway 307 at km 201. Cancún International (CUN), about 68 nm northeast, is an alternative when Tulum’s FBO hours or ramp space do not fit, though the drive to Tulum is much longer.
How long is a private jet flight from Miami to Tulum?
Miami-Opa Locka to Tulum is about 534 nm in a straight line, a short international hop for a light jet. Flight time depends on the aircraft and winds, and the operator gives you the schedule on your quote.
Can I fly private from New York to Tulum nonstop?
Teterboro to Tulum is about 1,423 nm. Midsize and larger jets commonly fly that distance nonstop, and a super-midsize gives the most margin with a full cabin. The operator confirms the nonstop against your passengers, bags and winds.
What are the Tulum FBO hours?
The Tulum International Airport FBO lists its operations line as open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Sunday. Plan arrivals inside that window, and ask before booking anything later.
What documents do I need to fly private to Tulum?
Bring a current passport. AOPA notes that a child traveling with only one parent needs a notarized letter from the absent parent stating the trip dates. The operator handles the permits, insurance and passenger lists Mexico requires.
Where do I clear US customs flying back from Tulum?
Under 19 CFR 122.24, most aircraft from Mexico land first at a designated airport such as Opa-locka, Fort Lauderdale Executive, Tampa, New Orleans Lakefront or Houston Hobby, unless the operator holds a CBP Border Overflight Exemption. We show the first US landing on your quote.
How much notice does a charter flight to Tulum need?
Book as early as you can. The operator needs time to arrange Mexican entry authorization and send the required passenger lists, and AOPA notes that Mexico’s rules keep changing. For Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, early booking matters most.
Sources
- Diario Oficial de la Federación, decree declaring Tulum “Felipe Carrillo Puerto” an international airport (November 29, 2023): https://sidof.segob.gob.mx/notas/docFuente/5710147
- Tulum International Airport, FBO: https://aitulum.com/en/fbo
- AOPA, Flying to Mexico: https://www.aopa.org/travel/international-travel/mexico
- eCFR, 19 CFR 122.23: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-122/subpart-C/section-122.23
- eCFR, 19 CFR 122.24: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-19/chapter-I/part-122/subpart-C/section-122.24
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, General Aviation Processing: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/general-aviation-processing
- NOAA National Hurricane Center, Tropical Cyclone Climatology: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/
- Diario Oficial de la Federación, Ley de los Husos Horarios en los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (October 28, 2022): https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5670045&fecha=28%2F10%2F2022
- Diario Oficial de la Federación, decree reforming Article 74 of the Ley Federal del Trabajo (January 17, 2006): https://dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=2106591&fecha=17/01/2006
- Ley Federal del Trabajo, Article 74 (federal rest days), Cámara de Diputados: https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/LFT.pdf
- OurAirports, airport coordinates: https://ourairports.com/data/