Tijuana International Airport

Tijuana International Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Tijuana); officially Aeropuerto Internacional General Abelardo L. Rodríguez (General Abelardo L. Rodríguez  International Airport), is an international airport located 5 km northeast of Downtown Tijuana. It serves Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, and the Metropolitan Area of San Diego–Tijuana, home to a population of five million inhabitants. The airport serves an extensive network of 42 domestic destinations including most of the major and secondary cities across Mexico. It is a hub for Volaris and a focus city for Viva Aerobus. Additionally, the airport houses facilities for the Mexican Air Force and supports cargo flights, tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities. Operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, the airport is named after General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, President of Mexico from 1932 to 1934. It is Mexico's westernmost airport and second-northernmost airport after Mexicali International Airport.

Situated adjacent to the U.S. border, Tijuana Airport is the only geographically binational airport in the world, having direct access to its terminal from Mexico, and from its Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal in the United States. This unique feature allows passengers with a boarding pass to walk across a bridge crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. The CBX terminal handled 4,288,000 passengers in 2023, constituting approximately one-third of all passenger movements at Tijuana Airport.

The airport ranks as the fifth busiest airport in Mexico for both passenger numbers and aircraft movements and holds the 13th position in Latin America and the 55th position in North America. It has witnessed significant growth, handling 8,925,900 passengers in 2019 and reaching 13,194,900 passengers in 2023. In 2022, Tijuana International Airport became the fifth airport in the country to surpass ten million passengers in a calendar year.

Early years
Tijuana Airport, inaugurated as the ' Aeropuerto Federal de Tijuana' on May 1, 1951, replaced the former airport located on today's Aguacaliente Boulevard. The initial passenger terminal was situated on the southwest side of the airport grounds, facing the present terminal. In 1954, Mexicana de Aviación began direct flights from Tijuana to Mexico City. In 1965, as part of the National Plan of Airports introduced during President Diaz Ordaz's administration, the airport became part of the Government-owned corporation Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA). The growing population in Tijuana during the 1960s led to an increased demand for flights.

The airport's 2000 m long runway, with an orientation of 10/28, had its northern end located less than 100 m south of the U.S. border wall. This meant that departing airplanes entered U.S. airspace after takeoff. The year 1969 marked the introduction of Operation Intercept, aimed at curbing narcotics flow between the U.S. and Mexico. Rising political pressure to reduce incursions into U.S. airspace resulted in the requirement to reorient the runway from 10/28 to 09/27.

In 1970, a new 2500 m long runway (09/27) and a terminal capable of accommodating larger aircraft were constructed north of the existing runway. The new runway direction impacted Tijuana's approach, particularly over Cerro San Isidro, a 792 m high land obstacle, causing an increase in the east approach glide slope beyond 3 degrees and hindering a full Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach on runway 27, necessary during adverse weather conditions.

The original terminal then transitioned into an air base for the Mexican Air Force, now known as the ' Aeropuerto Viejo' or old airport. During the 1970s, Tijuana experienced rapid growth, leading to expansions in both terminal and parking areas to meet escalating airport demand.

Privatization
In the 1980s, both terminal space and passenger parking at Tijuana Airport became insufficient to meet demand. In 1990, Mexico initiated its first two 10-year joint ventures with private investors. One of the initial projects involved expanding both the departure concourse and parking areas.

The year 1995 marked a significant change with the publication of the  'Ley de Aeropuertos' (Airports Law) by the Department of Communications and Transportation (Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transporte), marking the beginning of Mexico's airport privatization program. In 1999, Tijuana Airport joined Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), a consortium headquartered in Guadalajara. This consortium included Spanish investors Unión Fenosa, Dragados, and Aeropuertos Españoles y Navegación Aérea (AENA), along with Mexican strategic investor Grupo Empresarial Ángeles, managing a total of 12 airports.

Under the airport privatization concession in 2002, an expansion project was undertaken by the airport management. The extension of concourses A and B allowed for a doubling of the terminal's capacity. Furthermore, several taxiways were expanded to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 747.

Growth and hub years
Throughout its history, Tijuana Airport has served as a strategic hub for various airlines. In the 1990s, up until its discontinuation of services in 2006, Aero California utilized the airport as a hub, offering services to over 12 domestic cities. Other airlines such as TAESA, Aerolíneas Internacionales, Líneas Aéreas Azteca, and Avolar also established their hubs in Tijuana during the 1990s and early 2000s, operating extensive domestic networks. Notably, Avolar had its maintenance base at a large hangar facility in Tijuana, later acquired by Volaris. Volaris initiated operations in Tijuana in 2006, gradually expanding its services and transforming Tijuana into a hub with connections to more than 35 destinations.

As the airport grew in significance, emerging as one of the country's largest hubs, plans for a new terminal were contemplated, though no tangible progress has been made. Between 2011 and 2012, significant renovations occurred in the passenger terminal, particularly in Concourses A and B. These enhancements included the establishment of new customs and international arrivals facilities and the construction of a new bus terminal.

Binational operations
On December 9, 2015, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) was officially opened, establishing a physical connection between the passenger terminal in Tijuana and a new terminal in San Diego. This innovative project facilitates seamless passenger crossings between the two countries, effectively transforming Tijuana Airport into a geographically binational airport with direct access from both Mexico and the United States. The realization of this project follows decades of planning and negotiations, addressing aspects such as border control, management, funding, and construction. Notably, on December 19, 2015, the airport experienced its busiest day, recording a total of 164 flights between departures and arrivals.

The airport's proximity to the U.S. border makes it an appealing option for cross-border travelers heading to Mexican cities. However, due to its close proximity to San Diego Airport and the high transportation taxes for international flights in Mexico, the airport has not been able to retain international destinations. Passengers traveling to destinations in the United States and abroad typically choose to use San Diego International Airport, which is situated less than 30 km northwest of Tijuana Airport.

In 2022, an expansion of the passenger terminal was constructed. Named  'Nuevo Edificio Procesador' (New Processing Building), it features additional check-in counters, security lanes, boarding gates, and immigration facilities for both international flights and cross-border passengers entering from San Diego. The expansion aims to attract flight services to Asia and South America, with the goal of turning Tijuana Airport into a convenient alternative to U.S. airports for connecting passengers traveling between the two continents. Future plans for the airport include the addition of a hotel and a new bus terminal.

Routes evolution
In 1954, Mexicana de Aviación introduced direct flights from Tijuana to Mexico City. During the '70s, the cargo airline AeroCarga offered flights from Tijuana to La Paz, Mexico City, and Mérida, utilizing a fleet of Douglas DC-6 aircraft. In 1971, Aeroméxico initiated flights to Mexico City with Douglas DC-8 equipment, and by 1976, it expanded its services with McDonnell Douglas DC-10 equipment to Guadalajara and Mexico City. Mexicana reinaugurated its Tijuana flights in 1978, operating a daily flight from Mexico City with a stop in La Paz, using Boeing 727 equipment.

In 1983, Aero California launched the Tijuana-Los Mochis-Guadalajara route with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jets. Mexicana inaugurated the Guadalajara route in 1985, operating various aircraft, including Boeing 727, Boeing 757, Airbus A318, Airbus A319, and Airbus A320, over a span of 25 years. In the summer of 1987, Aeroméxico introduced flights to Bogotá, Colombia, utilizing Douglas DC-8-62 equipment on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. However, in 1988, Aeroméxico faced a crisis, declaring bankruptcy and undergoing restructuring, which impacted its services in Tijuana. In 1991, TAESA initiated flights to Mexico City with a stop in Los Mochis, employing Boeing 727 equipment.

In 2006, Aeroméxico launched the Tijuana-Acapulco route, utilizing Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The same year, Líneas Aéreas Azteca initiated flights to Oakland. Viva Aerobus began operations in Tijuana from its Monterrey hub in 2006, operating Boeing 737-300 equipment. Interjet introduced flights to Mexico City in 2008. In 2009, Mexicana closed routes to Culiacán and Puebla, ultimately declaring bankruptcy in 2010. From 2006 until September 2014, Aeroméxico operated three weekly flights to Tokyo-Narita with a Boeing 777-200, but in September 2014, these flights were relocated to Monterrey. Additionally, Aeroméxico provided services to Shanghai from 2006 to 2009 and then again from 2010 to 2019. In 2012, regional airline Calafia Airlines initiated twice-weekly flights to Tijuana, following the route Tijuana-Loreto-La Paz. Viva Aerobus suspended its operations in Tijuana in 2014. Interjet started operations on the Acapulco-Tijuana-Acapulco route in 2015, utilizing the Sukhoi Superjet 100. On March 4, 2015, Volaris resumed the Tijuana-Oakland route, offering 2 flights per week. Initially launched in August 2009 and operating daily, the route was canceled due to poor results. On October 1, 2015, Aeroméxico Connect resumed flights from Tijuana to Monterrey, operated by the Embraer 170. Viva Aerobus also resumed its flights in Tijuana on November 19, 2015, with Mexico City as its first route, marking the beginning of its current operating base and focus city service.

From 2017 to 2018, Volaris Costa Rica initiated flights to San Salvador and Guatemala City. From 2018 to 2020, the Chinese airline Hainan Airlines commenced three weekly flights from Beijing to Tijuana and Mexico using Boeing 787-8 equipment. International service is set to resume on February 15, 2024, with American Eagle launching flights to Phoenix, Arizona.

Volaris is the largest operator in the airport, offering flights to more than 35 domestic destinations. Additionally, along with Viva Aerobus, it serves the longest domestic non-stop route in Mexico, from Tijuana to Cancún, with a flight time of over 4 hours.

Facilities
The airport features a single 3000 m long 09/27 runway, a parallel taxiway, and an apron with 23 parking positions, mostly arranged for narrow-body commercial aircraft surrounding the two terminal pier buildings. There are 12 positions with direct access to the terminal and 11 remote positions. Adjacent to this area, there is a general aviation apron offering stands for fixed-wing aircraft and heliports for private aviation, as well as hangars and maintenance facilities. The airport features a high-tech control tower, one of the tallest in Mexico.

On the opposite side of the Main Terminal building, there is another terminal, the Old Airport Terminal, and a former runway. The Old Airport Terminal houses military facilities, and south of the former runway, 4 remote positions are located, mostly used by cargo airliners. These are linked by a shorter taxiway to the main runway. The airport is also used to a lesser extent for general aviation, housed at the General Aviation Building (GAB).

Runway 09/27 runs east–west approximately 300 m south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The approach to the runway is either from the east (normally) or from the west (when Santa Ana wind conditions exist). Due to prevailing winds, the 27 runway is Tijuana's main approach pattern. The airport can handle up to 10 million passengers per year and 360 flights per day. It is capable of handling widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and 747.

Passenger Terminal
The passenger terminal accommodates both arrival and departure services for domestic and international flights within a multi-story building, including two pier concourses with 20 gates. The ground floor of the main building includes check-in areas and an arrivals section featuring a baggage claim area and an arrivals hall. Here, passengers can access car rental services, taxi stands, snack bars, and souvenir shops. The first floor houses the main hall, which features a security checkpoint and an airside corridor leading to Concourses A and B. This zone is equipped with food stands, duty-free shops, and a VIP lounge. The gates are located in two piers, designated A and B, which are connected to the main terminal. It is designed so that international flights can be handled at Concourse B and domestic flights at both concourses. Additionally, gates 19 and 20 are located at the east end of the terminal, where passengers board their aircraft directly from the apron.

Concourse A serves domestic flights and features sitting areas with shops and food stands. It has nine gates: gates 1-5 are located on the top floor and are equipped with jet bridges, while gates 6-9 are located on the ground floor, where passengers board their aircraft directly from the apron. Airlines operating from this satellite include Aeromexico, Volaris, Magnicharters, and Calafia Airlines.

Concourse B serves domestic and international flights. It features the same layout as Concourse A with sitting areas, food stands, and duty-free shops. This concourse features eight gates: gates 10-14 are located on the top floor and are equipped with jet bridges, while gates 15-18 are located on the ground floor, where passengers board their aircraft directly from the apron. Airlines operating from Concourse B include Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and from 2024, American Eagle.

The top floor of the terminal houses international arrivals corridors and the entrance vestibule for passengers coming from the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal in San Diego. The vestibule leads to a Mexican immigration and customs facility and a check-in area for international passengers.

Cross Border Xpress CBX
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX), also known as the Cross-Border Terminal, is a 4200 m2 terminal located in southern San Diego, California, adjacent to the Mexican border, serving approximately one-third of Tijuana Airport's passengers. It uniquely positions Tijuana Airport as a geographically binational airport. The CBX comprises a terminal building physically located on U.S. soil, adjacent to the border, and a 120 m bridge across the border connecting to the Mexican immigration and customs facilities at Tijuana Airport. It facilitates direct access for U.S. passengers to Tijuana Airport and provides Mexican and international carriers with direct entry to the U.S. market.

The building serves departure and arrival facilities. Departing passengers can enter the building on the U.S. side before crossing the pedestrian bridge over the border, clearing immigration and customs, and boarding flights in the departure concourses in Tijuana. Arrival passengers in Tijuana can access the bridge from the baggage claim area at the terminal in Tijuana and walk across the border into U.S. customs and immigration facilities at the CBX terminal.

The building's design is the work of the late Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta. Its central articulator node, dividing flows and functions, is a purple open central courtyard with an ash tree and a reflecting pool, referencing vernacular Mexican architecture. The arrivals hall features car rental facilities, bus agencies, and a snack bar.

The concept of a cross-border terminal was initially proposed in the 1960s as part of a broader plan to modernize Mexico's airports. Despite multiple developments and setbacks, construction commenced in 2013. With an initial estimated cost of US$78 million and a final completion cost of US$120 million, it officially opened on December 9, 2015. Building E, which hosts the parking facilities at Tijuana's Terminal underwent restructuring to support the new bridge's structure. The project received accolades for its design and innovation and has undergone renovations and additions, including a new restroom facility and duty-free area completed in 2020.

Other facilities
The General Aviation Building (GAB) is used for general/non-commercial aviation or private jets. The GAB is designed to receive up to 120 persons per hour and has all the services for the convenience of passengers during their private flights. It covers a surface area of 420 m2, housing government offices, administrative offices, a pilots lounge, and a passenger lounge. Two aviation schools are based at this terminal, along with one cargo airline operating there.

Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM) in San Diego, California lies just over 1900 m north of the airport, with a similar runway length and orientation. SDM is a general aviation field not set up for scheduled passenger service. Both SDM and TIJ are designated as ports of entry for their respective countries.

'''Air Force Base Nr. 12 (Base Aérea Militar N.º 12, Tijuana, Baja California) (B.A.M. No. 12)''' is a facility of the Mexican Air Force located on the airport grounds. Currently, it does not have an assigned air squadron. It has an aviation platform of 14400 m2, one hangar, and other facilities for the accommodation of air force personnel. These facilities are located at The Old Airport Terminal.

Passenger
Viva Aerobus flight to Mérida makes a stopover in Monterrey.

Bus
The airport may be reached from Downtown Tijuana or Zona Rio by local bus. It costs $11.00 MXN (US$0.60).

Shuttle
Volaris provides a shuttle service from San Diego, California, to Tijuana Airport, allowing San Diego residents to make connections within Mexico. Passengers cannot board this shuttle at San Diego International Airport but instead take a local bus from the airport to the Amtrak Station at 1050 Kettner Blvd. on the corner of Broadway Ave, Downtown San Diego, CA 92101. There is no equivalent shuttle from Tijuana Airport back to downtown San Diego, as most people who connect between Tijuana Airport and San Diego pay to use the Cross Border Xpress and then take private vehicles or use Uber or taxi services since there is no public transportation from CBX.

Taxi
Due to a prohibition by Mexican law, public taxis from Mexican cities may drop passengers at the airport but cannot pick up passengers from the terminal. The airport, therefore, offers transportation for passengers from the terminal to any point in the city on SAAT Taxis Servicio Aeroportuario de Autotransporte Terrestre (Terrestrial Transport Airport Service), an airport government-leased taxi company. This and other authorized taxi carriers may be reached at the arrivals hall. This inflates taxi prices, forcing passengers to either pay them or walk outside the airport.