Latin America Tourism Resilience: Mexico, Colombia Lead in January 2026 Passenger Growth

The international airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S.A.B. de C.V. which operates ASUR has released its January 2026 passenger traffic data to show the significant tourist patterns which exist throughout Colombia Mexico and Puerto Rico. The network shows a 3.6 percent annual growth rate which provides essential information about the changing travel patterns in these areas.

Growth in Colombia: A Strong Start to 2026

In Colombia, passenger traffic surged by an impressive 15.0% in January 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was fueled by a 18.3% increase in domestic traffic, while international traffic saw a more modest 5.2% rise. Colombia’s bustling airports, including the Medellín-based José María Córdova International Airport (Rionegro), played a significant role in this upturn, as the country continues to establish itself as a prime destination for both domestic and international travellers. This year-on-year growth reinforces the importance of Colombia as a growing tourism hub in Latin America.

Steady Growth in Mexico Despite Domestic Traffic Challenges

Mexico’s airports also showed positive growth, with total passenger traffic increasing by 0.9% in January 2026 compared to January 2025. However, domestic traffic experienced a slight dip, down 1.2%, while international traffic gained 2.5%, demonstrating the ongoing global demand for travel to Mexican destinations. Key airports, such as Cancun International Airport, continue to be central players in the country’s tourism landscape. With an increase in international arrivals, Mexico remains a crucial destination for leisure and business travellers alike.

Puerto Rico Faces a Decline, Yet Maintains International Traffic

Puerto Rico, however, saw a 2.1% decrease in overall passenger traffic for January 2026, compared to the previous year. The drop was primarily driven by a 2.6% fall in domestic traffic, although international arrivals increased by 1.8%. San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), a key international gateway for the island, continues to experience a mixed trend, with a slight decline in overall numbers but a growing international presence. This presents an opportunity for Puerto Rico’s tourism industry to adapt and innovate, with future efforts likely to focus on improving domestic travel while capitalising on international growth.

The Big Picture: Overall Passenger Traffic Trends

ASUR’s total traffic in January 2026 reached 6.7 million passengers, marking an overall increase of 3.6% compared to the same month in 2025. The steady rise across Mexico and Colombia offsets the slight dip in Puerto Rico, providing a more nuanced view of the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector. International traffic across ASUR’s airports grew by 2.9%, indicating that cross-border travel continues to rebound, with stronger international demand being a critical factor in the recovery of the tourism industry.

What This Means for the Travel Industry

For travellers and the tourism industry, these figures provide valuable insights into shifting travel dynamics. Colombia’s remarkable growth in both domestic and international traffic signals a rising interest in the country’s diverse offerings, from its cultural festivals to its coastal destinations. Mexico’s international traffic boom reflects its robust position as a leading travel destination, although the slight dip in domestic travel suggests that there is room for further growth in the national market. Puerto Rico’s overall decline suggests that more targeted efforts could be required to boost domestic tourism, though the increase in international traffic is a positive sign for future growth.

For those planning to travel to these destinations, these trends underscore a need for flexibility and awareness of regional variations in tourism growth. Whether planning a visit to Colombia’s vibrant cities, Mexico’s bustling resorts, or Puerto Rico’s picturesque beaches, these figures provide a snapshot of the evolving tourism landscape in the Americas.

The Path Forward for Latin American Tourism

As passenger traffic trends show, Latin America is experiencing a positive recovery because international travel volumes have increased. The domestic traffic growth in Colombia, together with Mexico’s international expansion, serves as the key elements which drive the region’s tourism recovery. The mixed results from Puerto Rico show which areas require better attention, while the focus should be on developing its local tourist economy. The Americas continue to present essential opportunities which support the worldwide tourism industry expansion according to ongoing trends.

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