Riviera Nayarit International Airport, formerly known as Tepic’s airport, recently welcomed its first test flight from the U.S. This test flight marked the beginning of preparations for the airport’s expansion, including the debut of a new terminal by the end of the year. The airport’s strategic location positions it as the gateway to the Riviera Nayarit, offering enhanced connectivity to the region.
The expansion of Riviera Nayarit International Airport is a significant milestone in the development of the tourism infrastructure in the state of Nayarit. While most travelers currently fly into Puerto Vallarta, the new airport will provide visitors from the U.S. and Canada with a direct option to fly into Tepic. This development opens up the opportunity for travelers to explore the lesser-visited parts of Nayarit, such as its Magical Towns, coffee plantations, and indigenous communities.
The airport is conveniently linked to the coast through the Guadalajara-Puerto Vallarta highway, which passes through Nayarit. Additionally, efforts are being made to open a highway connecting Tepic to the Magical Town of Compostela. This highway segment will provide easy access to popular destinations like Sayulita, San Pancho, Lo de Marcos, Rincon de Guayabitos, Chacala, and San Blas, further boosting tourism in the region.
One of the standout features of Riviera Nayarit International Airport is its digital immigration process, offering a seamless experience for travelers. Discussions are also underway with U.S. authorities to potentially introduce pre-clearance at the airport, although this has not been confirmed yet. The new terminal, set to be fully operational by early 2025, is expected to cater to 4 million tourists in its initial years, with a capacity for up to 20 million passengers annually.
The recent completion of a new runway and a 42-meter control tower, the third tallest in Mexico, sets the stage for the airport’s future expansion. Negotiations with airlines from the U.S. and Canada are ongoing to introduce year-round international services. Already, a flight with Volaris from Los Angeles has been confirmed, signaling the airport’s growing allure as a key aviation hub in the region.