Volaris Launches First International TPQ-LAX Flight

Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier Volaris is set to launch its first international service from Aeropuerto Internacional de Tepic-Riviera Nayarit (TPQ) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) beginning July 16, marking a major milestone for the Tepic airport and the region. The new route, operating three times per week, will open up a vital air link that is expected to boost tourism and provide a direct connection for Nayarit natives residing in California.

The announcement was made during the Routes Americas 2025 event held in Nassau & Paradise Island, Bahamas, where industry leaders gathered to shape the future of regional air connectivity. Javier Garcia Bejos, Director General at Aeropuertos Mexicanos—the operator of TPQ—expressed his enthusiasm about the new route. “We are delighted because this represents a breakthrough for our airport,” he said. Speaking to Aviation Week, Garcia Bejos emphasized that the new TPQ-LAX service is strategically important for both tourism and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic. “This route will facilitate increased visitor arrivals to Riviera Nayarit, a popular vacation destination, while also providing an essential connection for the large community of Nayarit natives in Southern California,” he added.

Volaris has highlighted its longstanding commitment to serving the Mexican diaspora as a key driver behind the launch. Eric Friedman, Volaris’ Director of Network Planning and Strategy, commented, “This is what we do. We have grown to become the second-largest foreign airline in the U.S. by connecting the Mexican diaspora, and there’s a large community from Nayarit in Southern California. But this route isn’t just about that—it also opens up a major leisure opportunity for travelers looking to explore the Riviera Nayarit coast.”

The TPQ-LAX service is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting regional connectivity. Currently, Volaris operates one domestic route from TPQ, flying to Tijuana. The introduction of this international flight underscores the airline’s strategy to expand its network and capture growing demand in the leisure and VFR markets. The new service is subject to final regulatory approvals, including clearance from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, ensuring that all safety and security standards are met before the inaugural flight.

Aviation Week Network’s aviation consultancy ASM was instrumental in securing this new route. David Appleby, ASM Director for Air Service Development Consulting, highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the launch. “Securing Riviera Nayarit Airport’s first international flight to Los Angeles is fantastic news for the city of Tepic and the state of Nayarit. It provides a smooth connection from Southern California to the stunning Riviera Nayarit coast,” Appleby said. He also mentioned that ASM’s Catchment Analyser tool was key in demonstrating the demand within a 40-mile radius of Tepic, giving Volaris the confidence to launch the service.

This new TPQ-LAX route is set to further enhance the reputation of Aeropuerto Internacional de Tepic-Riviera Nayarit as a growing hub for international travel in Mexico. It comes at a time when the region is actively seeking to expand its tourism and economic footprint. The increased connectivity not only benefits travelers but also supports local businesses and the broader economy by attracting investment and fostering sustainable tourism growth.

With its new international service, Volaris is poised to redefine travel between North America and Mexico, offering passengers an affordable and efficient way to explore one of the country’s most beloved destinations. As the launch date approaches, industry observers and travelers alike eagerly anticipate the positive impact of this groundbreaking route on both the airline and the region.

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