⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
San Antonio Copalar Airport (CJT), also known by its ICAO code MMCO, is a significant aviation facility serving the city of Comitán de Domínguez in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Historically a regional hub for civilian traffic, the airport underwent a major transition in 2003 when civil aviation operations were officially suspended due to shifting regional demand. Today, the facility acts as a critical military installation, serving as the 17th Air Force Base (Base Aérea Militar No. 17) for the Mexican Air Force.
The airport's infrastructure is now primarily tailored to military and government operations rather than standard commercial passenger traffic. There is no longer a public passenger terminal with retail or dining amenities; instead, the facility houses administrative offices, barracks, and specialized hangars for the Mexican Air Force. The airfield features a well-maintained 1,800-meter asphalt runway that is used for surveillance, logistical support, and national security missions in the southern frontier region of Mexico. While the facility is closed to regular commercial airlines, it remains a vital node for government flights and emergency services in Chiapas.
Currently, San Antonio Copalar primarily facilitates military transport, reconnaissance flights, and essential government logistics. Its role is fundamental to the security and stability of the southern Mexican border region, providing a rapid aerial link for the deployment of personnel and supplies. While no scheduled commercial services are offered at CJT, travelers looking for air links to the region typically utilize the nearby Palenque International Airport (PQM) or the major hub at Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ). Ground transportation into central Comitán is served by local taxis and military shuttles, and the airfield remains a restricted-access site critical to the national defense infrastructure of Mexico.
🔄 Connection Tips
San Antonio Copalar Airport (CJT) in Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas, currently functions as the 17th Air Force Base (BAM 17) for the Mexican Air Force and does not host scheduled commercial passenger flights. For the general public, this means that direct air connections through CJT are not possible. Travelers planning to visit Comitán or the surrounding regions, such as the Lagunas de Montebello or El Chiflon waterfalls, should instead utilize Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport (TGZ) in Tuxtla Gutiérrez as their primary aviation hub. From Tuxtla Gutiérrez, a connection to Comitán involves an overland journey of approximately 177 km (110 miles). Upon landing at TGZ, which is well-served by Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus from major Mexican cities, travelers should visit the authorized ground transportation booths in the arrivals hall. The most reliable method is taking a first-class OCC or ADO bus from the Tuxtla central terminal, a journey that typically takes 3 to 3.5 hours. Alternatively, private car rentals or shared shuttles can reach Comitán in roughly 2.5 hours via Highway 190. If your itinerary involves an authorized government or military charter flight arriving directly at CJT, it is imperative to coordinate your security clearance and onward transport in advance, as no public services or amenities are available at the restricted airfield. For commercial travelers, a popular strategy is a one-night stopover in the colonial city of San Cristóbal de las Casas, which is located conveniently midway between the Tuxtla airport and Comitán. Always confirm your bus or shuttle schedules via local transport apps, especially during peak seasons in Chiapas, to ensure a smooth connection to this remote southern region.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic → International
75
minutes
International → Domestic
75
minutes
International → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan N. Álvarez (ACA), commonly known as Acapulco International Airport, serves as a crucial gateway to Mexico's popular tourist destination on the southern Pacific coast. The airport underwent a complete modernization in 2018, resulting in a single, modern terminal building designed for efficient passenger movement and capable of handling up to 1.3 million passengers annually. This contemporary terminal services both domestic and international flights, streamlining the travel experience.
The terminal is a two-story facility. The upper level is dedicated to departures (Salidas), housing check-in counters for airlines like Volaris, Aeroméxico, and VivaAerobus. The lower level is for arrivals (Llegadas), where passengers will find baggage claim areas and car rental counters, along with exits to ground transportation. The compact and intuitive layout ensures easy navigation, with all essential services and amenities integrated within this single structure, eliminating the need for complex inter-terminal transfers.
Amenities at ACA are well-appointed for a tourist-focused international airport. These include VIP lounges for eligible passengers, a variety of shops (featuring Duty-Free and local Mexican artisanal crafts), numerous cafes and restaurants offering both local cuisine and international options, currency exchange points, ATMs, and baggage packing services. The airport's modern infrastructure and passenger-friendly facilities contribute to a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
🔄 Connection Tips
Acapulco International Airport (ACA) offers non-stop passenger flights to 8 destinations in 2 countries, including 5 domestic routes. The airport serves as a key domestic hub connecting Acapulco to major Mexican cities like Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL), and Monterrey (MTY). For international travel, ACA provides direct links to cities such as Houston (IAH), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Montreal (YUL).\n\nWhen planning connections at ACA, especially between domestic and international flights, the single-terminal design simplifies physical transfers. For domestic-to-domestic connections, a minimum of 60 minutes is generally sufficient, assuming baggage is checked through. For international connections, particularly if you are transferring from an international arrival to an onward domestic flight (or vice-versa), a more generous buffer of 2 to 3 hours is highly recommended. This allows ample time for immigration, customs, baggage collection, and re-check-in procedures.\n\nGround transportation from ACA to the city of Acapulco and its numerous hotels and beaches is readily available. Taxis and collective vans are the most common and convenient options for quick transfers. It is advisable to agree on the fare with the driver before commencing the journey. The airport also offers car rental services for travelers wishing to explore the region independently. Always check your flight status and any potential advisories through the airport's official website or airline apps before heading to ACA.
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