New domestic and international flights will be offered by AeroMexico this summer to Mar de Cortes International Airport which serves Puerto Penasco, one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in Mexico. The national carrier is to start routing international flights through the facility, the first privately built international airport in the country, from June 20, 2013, with a twice weekly link between Hermosillo and Las Vegas.
Originally built in 2009 by Grupo Vidanta, a leading developer of luxury resort properties in Latin America, Mar de Cortes Airport provides easy access to the beachfront properties along the Sea of Cortes and the spectacular recreational offerings of this highly desirable holiday destination. The airport was officially inaugurated by President Felipe Calderon in November 2009 and replaced an older facility that had been granted international flight clearance in August 1994.
"We are thrilled to announce the addition of AeroMexico national and international flights," said Fernando Antillon, Director, Mar de Cortes International Airport. "The Puerto Penasco area offers guests an incredible combination of magnificent natural beauty and deluxe resort accommodations. We welcome future visitors and look forward to providing them with the finest travel-related services available."
Puerto Penasco's popularity is in part thanks to its proximity to the Arizona border. Only 60 miles away, its nickname of "Arizona's beach" is accurate, making it the coast closest to the major cities of Phoenix and Tucson. Along with the Mar de Cortes International Airport, a new stretch of road shortens the drive from California by 100 miles. All this has led to Puerto Penasco being the fastest growing tourism destination in Mexico since 2006.
AeroMexico’s arrival at Puerto Penasco follows a series of flights by VivaAerobus last summer providing a direct connection from Ciudad Juarez Abraham Gonzalez International Airport during July and August 2012.