Puerto Vallarta is preparing for a major increase in air traffic as the 2026 World Cup approaches, with projections pointing to a significant expansion in international arrivals.
A key part of that growth is already underway. Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico has begun construction on a new Terminal 2 at Puerto Vallarta International Airport, backed by an investment of nearly five billion pesos. The project is expected to be completed early next year and will double the airport’s international operations.
The airport already plays a critical role in the region, serving not only Puerto Vallarta but also travelers heading to Riviera Nayarit. In January alone, the airport handled 732,000 passengers, making it the sixth busiest airport in Mexico. Of those, 489,000 were international travelers, placing it among the country’s top airports for global traffic.
Tourism indicators suggest strong momentum heading into the World Cup year. Hotel occupancy in Puerto Vallarta reached 81.5% in January, one of the highest rates nationwide, signaling continued demand even before the expected influx tied to the tournament.
The positioning of Puerto Vallarta as the “Official Beach” destination for the 2026 World Cup has become a central part of the region’s tourism strategy. Industry meetings held in March brought together hundreds of tourism operators and companies, resulting in thousands of business appointments and new commercial agreements for upcoming travel seasons.
Officials have emphasized that the city is operating normally and that tourism activity has remained stable, even after recent events earlier in the year. Security measures have also been reinforced across the region, with authorities aiming to maintain confidence among international visitors.
Looking ahead, the expansion of airport capacity, combined with high occupancy rates and increased global visibility, is expected to drive a sharp rise in visitor numbers. The World Cup is shaping up to be a major catalyst, not just for short-term tourism, but for the long-term positioning of Puerto Vallarta as a leading international destination.