The first non-stop flight from LAX to MID has already sold out. The announcement of a new Viva Aerobus route connecting Los Angeles and Yucatán was announced just yesterday.

The highly anticipated route to Los Angeles, a long-pursued goal of Yucatán tourism officials, is being introduced as a seasonal offering during the holidays, commencing on Dec. 18. A check on the Viva Aerobus schedule showed the flight was already full.

Tourism Director Michelle Fridman expressed optimism about this “first experiment” and thanked Viva Aerobus for their commitment to attracting tourism from the U.S. West Coast.

This is great news for Yucatán’s growing diaspora of southern Californians. If the route is successful, expect more artists, writers and filmmakers from LA or Palm Springs to join Yucatán’s international community.

The budget airline is also renewing service to Tijuana — which is often used as a gateway to San Diego, California. The Tijuana route, previously operated by Volaris, will now be offered by Viva Aerobus with four weekly flights. The schedule includes departures from Mérida at 8:10 p.m. with a brief stopover in León and return flights from Tijuana at 8:10 a.m. with a stopover in Monterrey.

Walter Castro Novelo, Viva Aerobus’ director of corporate communications, announced that these additions bring the airline’s total destinations from Yucatán to 16, including upcoming flights to Orlando and Miami launching in early July.

Gov. Mauricio Vila lauded the administration’s tourism achievements, emphasizing record-breaking tourist arrivals and the importance of continued collaboration between the government, private sector, and tourists to further promote the region’s thriving tourism industry.