The Yucatán region will see a significant increase in its air connectivity with the addition of Aerus Airlines’ new Mérida-Villahermosa, Mérida-Cancún, and Chichén Itzá-Cozumel flights.
The Secretariat of Tourism Development (Sefotur) announced that Aerus will utilize both the Mérida and Chichén Itzá international airports.
During a press conference, Aerus Airlines Commercial Director Miguel Legorreta Hernández emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing safe and high-quality regional air transportation. He underscored their dedication to bolstering the country’s economic and tourism growth in areas lacking robust air connectivity.
The young Mexican airline, based in Monterrey, commenced operations on April 27, 2023. As of April 14, the carrier had successfully completed 4,385 operations nationwide and transported 20,949 passengers. Aerus currently operates five new aircraft with capacities ranging from nine to twelve passengers and plans to expand its fleet to seven units by the end of the year.
The airline’s fleet consists of modern Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft boasting the latest technology and generous seating accommodations. Their experienced pilots possess an average of 10,000 flight hours.
“Our key differentiators include the youngest fleet in the industry, exceptional on-time performance, seasoned pilots, and a distinctive travel experience. We seamlessly combine transportation with extraordinary views,” Legorreta Hernández stated.
Beginning May 13, Aerus will initiate operations at Mérida’s Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport with a daily Mérida-Cancún flight. It will depart Mérida at 5:30 p.m. and arrive in Cancún at 7:50 p.m., with the return flight from Cancún landing in Mérida at 8:25 a.m.
Daily flights
The Mérida-Villahermosa route (flight 191) will also operate daily, Monday through Friday. Departure from Mérida is scheduled for 8:50 a.m., with arrival in Villahermosa at 10:45 a.m. The return leg will touch down in the Yucatecan capital at 5:05 p.m.
The Chichén Itzá-Cozumel service, commencing on July 1, offers daily flights departing Chichén Itzá at 2 p.m. and arriving in Cozumel at 4 p.m. Aerus is actively exploring the addition of a Mérida-Chichén Itzá route pending government approval.
Michelle Fridman Hirsch, head of Sefotur, underscored the benefits of these new flights. “These routes further connect Yucatán to key markets,” she noted. “The expansion fosters tourist, economic, and social growth, fulfilling the region’s potential.”
“The ability to decentralize tourism from Cancun is crucial. The new Cozumel-Chichén Itzá route specifically facilitates access for cruise passengers, and the potential Mérida-Chichén Itzá connection seamlessly links the east and west of the state,” she added.
