New Airports Enhancing Access to Bucket-List Travel Destinations Globally
Traveling to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations is becoming easier thanks to a new wave of airports being constructed or recently opened. These developments are set to significantly reduce the hassle of long international journeys, eliminating the need for tedious final connections or extended ground transfers. Here’s a look at how these new airports are transforming access to iconic locations from Tulum to the Amalfi Coast and beyond.
Tulum, Mexico: The opening of the Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport marks a new era for travelers eyeing the pristine beaches of Tulum. Operational for domestic flights since December 2023, and set to welcome international traffic from March 28, 2024, this airport introduces direct routes from major airlines, bypassing the former necessity of landing in Cancún and enduring a two-hour drive.
Siem Reap, Cambodia: November 2023 saw the inauguration of a new airport in Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient Angkor Wat temple complex. Despite being located further from Angkor Wat than its predecessor, the new facility is better suited to accommodate large international flights, promising easier access for the millions of tourists drawn to the UNESCO site each year.
Amalfi Coast, Italy: Southern Italy’s gem, the Amalfi Coast, will soon be more accessible, thanks to the transformation of a former military and private airport into a commercial hub. Starting July 11, Volotea will initiate flights from Nantes, France, and Cagliri, Sardinia, with the full renovation and additional routes expected by 2026.
Nuuk, Greenland: Greenland is set to enhance its appeal to tourists with a major upgrade to Nuuk’s airport, enabling nonstop flights from North America and Europe. This development, due for completion by the end of November 2024, simplifies travel to Greenland’s capital by obviating the need for a layover in Kangerlussuaq.
Dominica: Known as the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, Dominica has embarked on constructing its first international airport. Expected to be operational by 2026, this project will facilitate direct flights from over 20 airlines, significantly boosting tourism to this ecological paradise.
Western Sydney, Australia: The construction of Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, slated to open in 2026, will offer a convenient alternative for travelers and locals alike. Positioned as a gateway to the Blue Mountains National Park, this airport aims to alleviate congestion at Sydney’s primary airport while serving 10 million passengers annually.
Peru’s Sacred Valley: The upcoming Chinchero airport, set to open in 2026, offers a direct route to the majestic Machu Picchu, providing an alternative to the current multi-step journey involving a flight to Lima, a connection to Cusco, and a train ride. Despite controversies surrounding its impact on local heritage and environment, the airport is anticipated to streamline travel to this iconic Incan site.
Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan: As part of an ambitious plan to create a modern, sustainable city, Bhutan is building a second international airport in Gelephu. This development promises to unlock new regions of Bhutan for international visitors, complementing the country’s focus on mindful tourism and conservation.
These airport projects represent a significant investment in making travel more accessible and enjoyable, potentially transforming how travelers approach their bucket-list adventures.