โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
San Antonio Copalar Airport (CJT), also known by its ICAO code MMCO, is a significant aviation facility serving the city of Comitรกn de Domรญnguez 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 Aรฉrea 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 Gutiรฉrrez (TGZ). Ground transportation into central Comitรกn is served by local taxis and military shuttles, and the airfield remains a restricted-access site critical to the national defense infrastructure of Mexico.
๐ Connection Tips
San Antonio Copalar Airport (CJT) in Comitรกn de Domรญnguez, 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 Comitรกn or the surrounding regions, such as the Lagunas de Montebello or El Chiflon waterfalls, should instead utilize รngel Albino Corzo International Airport (TGZ) in Tuxtla Gutiรฉrrez as their primary aviation hub. From Tuxtla Gutiรฉrrez, a connection to Comitรกn involves an overland journey of approximately 177 km (110 miles). Upon landing at TGZ, which is well-served by Aeromรฉxico, 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 Comitรกn 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 Cristรณbal de las Casas, which is located conveniently midway between the Tuxtla airport and Comitรกn. 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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Punta Abreojos Airport (AJS) is a specialized regional airstrip located on the Pacific coast of the Baja California peninsula, serving the remote fishing and surfing community of Punta Abreojos in the municipality of Mulegรฉ. Operated by the local Ejido de Punta Abreojos, the airport features a well-maintained dirt runway that is a critical link for the region's sustainable fishing industry and its legendary surf breaks. The airfield primarily caters to private pilots, known colloquially as "Baja Bush Pilots," as well as chartered aircraft transporting eco-tourists and high-value seafood exports like lobster and abalone.
The terminal at Punta Abreojos is a minimalist and practical structure that reflects the town's isolated and adventurous spirit. It consists of a basic, air-conditioned waiting area that provides a comfortable refuge from the intense coastal sun. While it lacks the extensive retail and dining facilities of major Mexican hubs, it surprisingly offers modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi internet access for visiting pilots and travelers. The layout is exceptionally user-friendly, with the single runway situated just a short walk from the main village path, allowing for a rapid transition from the aircraft to the local boat jetties or surf camps.
Beyond its role in civil transport, AJS serves as a vital hub for emergency medical services and community coordination in the central Baja region. The airport is a frequent landing site for humanitarian missions and provides a safe harbor for pilots navigating the challenging coastline of the Vizcaรญno Desert. The terminal area offers arriving passengers an immediate introduction to the rugged beauty of Baja California Sur, where the lack of traditional airport bustle ensures that the wilderness experience begins as soon as the wheels touch the dirt. For visitors, the airport represents the essential entry point to world-class right-hand reef breaks and some of the most productive maritime environments in the Eastern Pacific.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Punta Abreojos Airport (AJS) is a unique logistical process that transitions from air travel to the specialized maritime activities of the Baja coast. Since the facility does not host scheduled commercial airline services, your "connection" will typically involve a transition from a private flight to local ground or sea transport. Most travelers reach AJS via a chartered flight from major hubs like Tijuana (TIJ), Ensenada (ESE), or La Paz (LAP). It is highly advisable to coordinate your arrival with a local guesthouse or the fishing cooperative in advance, as on-demand taxi services are virtually non-existent at this remote location.\n\nGround transportation from the AJS terminal is informal and usually involves pre-arranged pickups by local hosts or specialized surf and fishing lodges like the Black Bass Lodge. For those heading to the nearby lagoons or surf breaks, onward travel is conducted via rugged 4WD vehicles or motorized pangas (fishing boats). Travelers should be aware that the region operates almost exclusively on a cash basis using Mexican Pesos (MXN); ensure you have sufficient currency before leaving a larger city, as there are no ATMs in Punta Abreojos. Additionally, because the airport is subject to sudden shifts in coastal weatherโincluding dense sea fog and high windsโalways build a 24-hour buffer into your itinerary to account for potential flight delays. If you are flying your own aircraft, be sure to coordinate fuel needs with the local Pemex station, although hours can be limited and availability should be confirmed via the Baja Bush Pilots network before your departure.
โ Back to San Antonio Copalar Airport