Uruapan International Airport

Uruapan International Airport
Aeropuerto Internacional de Uruapan
Summary
Airport typePublic
OperatorOlmeca-Maya-Mexica
ServesUruapan, Michoacán, Mexico
Time zoneCST (UTC−06:00)
Elevation AMSL1,603 m / 5,259 ft
Coordinates19°23′48″N 102°02′21″W / 19.39667°N 102.03917°W / 19.39667; -102.03917
Websitewww.grupomundomaya.com/UPN
Map
UPN
Location of airport in Michoacán
UPN
UPN (Mexico)
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
02/20 2,400 7,874 Asphalt
Statistics (2025)
Total passengers175,010
Ranking in Mexico48th
Source: Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil[1]

Uruapan International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de Uruapan); officially Aeropuerto Internacional Lic. y Gen. Ignacio López Rayón (Lic. y Gen. Ignacio López Rayón International Airport) (IATA: UPN, ICAO: MMPN) is an international airport located in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. It serves domestic and international flights and it supports flight training, executive aviation, and general aviation activities. Operated by Grupo Olmeca-Maya-Mexica (GAFSACOMM), a federal government-owned corporation, the airport is named after Ignacio López Rayón, a leader in the Mexican War of Independence. The airport served 172,193 passengers in 2024, a figure which increased slightly to 175,010 in 2025.[1]

History

The first air services to Uruapan began in 1937, connecting the city to Acapulco. The airport joined the Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) network in 1970. Regional airlines Aero Cuahonte and Aero Sudpacífico were once based here. Over the years, Uruapan Airport has been served by various airlines, including Aeromar, Avolar, Líneas Aéreas Azteca, and TAESA Airlines.[2] Volaris launched the airport's first international service to Los Angeles in October 2012.[3] In 2023, airport operations shifted to Grupo Olmeca Maya Mexica (GAFSACOMM), a military-owned entity, aligning with the López Obrador administration's strategy to involve the armed forces in major infrastructure projects.

Facilities

The airport is situated within the Uruapan urban area, covering an approximate area of 264 hectares (650 acres), at an elevation of 1,603 metres (5,259 ft) above sea level. It features a 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) asphalt runway, capable of accommodating aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The commercial aviation apron spans 15,652 square metres (168,480 sq ft) and can accommodate three narrow-body aircraft. The airport operates daily from 07:00 to 19:00.

The passenger terminal, a two-story structure, accommodates arrivals and departures, offering standard services commonly found at regional airports. These services include parking facilities, a check-in area, a security checkpoint, a VIP lounge, retail outlets, immigration and customs facilities, baggage claim zones, an arrivals hall with car rental services and taxi stands, and a departure concourse with three gates providing direct access to the apron. With no jet bridges, passengers walk to their aircraft. The airport also houses logistics and courier companies, administrative, and police facilities.

Airlines and destinations

Passenger

AirlinesDestinations
Aerus Mexico City–Felipe Ángeles, Morelia (both begin March 30, 2026)[4]
Volaris Los Angeles,[5] Tijuana[6]

Destination maps

Domestic destinations from Uruapan International Airport
Red = Year-round destination
Blue = Future destination
Green = Seasonal destination
International destinations from Uruapan International Airport
Red = Year-round destination
Blue = Future destination
Green = Seasonal destination

Statistics

Annual Traffic

Passenger statistics at Uruapan Airport[1]
Year Total Passengers change % Cargo movements (t) Air operations
2006 150,047 251 7,569
2007 135,211 9.89% 221 6,869
2008 110,816 18.04% 71 7,417
2009 106,748 3.67% 9 7,159
2010 107,379 0.59% 11 6,481
2011 109,455 1.93% 1 6,312
2012 112,275 2.58% 11 5,509
2013 113,101 0.74% 40 5,074
2014 106,949 5.44% 28 4,866
2015 110,067 2.92% 1 4,816
2016 128,578 16.82% 0 4,145
2017 150,192 16.81% 0 4,485
2018 160,045 6.6% - 5,201
2019 167,796 4.84% 0 5,123
2020 129,019 23.11% 0 4,238
2021 167,112 29.53% 0 5,032
2022 151,151 9.55% 0 4,599
2023 173,005 14.46% 0 4,546
2024 172,193 0.47% 0 4,819
2025 175,010 1.64% 0 4,992

Accidents and incidents

  • TAESA Flight 725, a DC-9, crashed on take-off from Uruapan International Airport en route to Mexico City on November 25, 1999, killing all 18 people on board.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "Estadística Operacional de Aeropuertos / Statistics by Airport". Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil. Retrieved January 30, 2026.
  2. ^ "Líneas Aéreas Azteca". AerolineasMexicanas.com.mx. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  3. ^ "Volaris to Fly From Uruapan to Los Angeles". Routes Online. August 2012. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  4. ^ "Michoacán strengthens its tourism agenda with Spartan 2026, the Uruapan Artisan Market, and a new air route". Secretaría de Turismo (in Spanish). March 2026. Retrieved March 14, 2026.
  5. ^ "Los Angeles to Acapulco, non-stop on Volaris". USA TODAY. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  6. ^ "Muere pasajera de Volaris; aterrizaron de emergencia en Culiacán". Periódico Correo (in Mexican Spanish). February 9, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
  7. ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety. November 1999. Retrieved August 15, 2017.
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