Mayor Tim Keller Leads Delegation in Mexico to Bring International Air Service Back to the Albuqeurque Internation Sunport

November 17, 2018

Today Mayor Tim Keller, along with a delegation of officials from both Mexico and New Mexico, returned to Albuquerque from Guadalajara on the first international passenger flight to the Sunport in more than eight years.

“Making Albuquerque directly accessible to international markets is a critical component to tourism and economic development,” stated Mayor Tim Keller.  “This flight is the first step to capitalizing on our international economic potential.”

Volaris, Mexico’s largest low-cost carrier, enters the Albuquerque market today, offering twice-weekly quick and economical option for direct international passenger service out of the Albuquerque International Sunport. Flights to Guadalajara are less than $300 round trip, and connections throughout Mexico are available.

“As the Director of this wonderful department, flying in to the Sunport on the first international flight in nearly a decade has been humbling and exhilarating,” said Nyika Allen, Director of Aviation for the City of Albuquerque. “I am thrilled that we are now able to offer such a fast, convenient, and economical option to our many Mexican-American citizens to visit friends and relatives.”

In addition to offering a convenient option for leisure travelers, Volaris’ entry into Albuquerque’s international market also brings a wealth of opportunities for international business. As Sister Cities, direct service to and from Guadalajara opens the door to better promote and encourage trade and business partnerships.

“Bolstering international travel is a critical component to economic development in Albuquerque and New Mexico,” said Synthia Jaramillo, Director of Economic Development for the City of Albuquerque. “This new option will help us to expand tourism and trade with our sister city.”

"Today marks an important step in strengthening the historic and trade relationship between Mexico and New Mexico, said Norma Ang, Consul of Mexico. “2019 brings the 170th anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate of Mexico in Albuquerque, and having this direct service between Albuquerque and Guadalajara brings many new opportunities."

The addition of international passenger service contributes to one of the tenets of Mayor Keller’s new economic development strategy, which identifies international business as a top priority, and to the continual growth in New Mexico tourism.

Tickets for Guadalajara and Albuquerque service may be purchased at www.volaris.com.

Summary of new service:

About Volaris:

Volaris is an ultra-low-cost airline with more than 173 routes to 69 airports in Mexico, the United States, Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. With more than 334 daily flights on routes connecting cities in Mexico and the United States, Volaris advertises inexpensive ticket offerings to develop the market, offering customers a quality service and a vast choice of products. Volaris’ vision is to go above and beyond to create the best travel experiences and enable more people to travel well.