Airport Expansion Redefines its Tourist Future: PVR Takes Off
Tara A. Spears
For many people their welcome to Mexico occurs at the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). This compact airport is easy to navigate and is a convenient aerial gateway to the sunny paradise of Puerto Vallarta and the picturesque coast of Riviera Nayarit. This modern, active airport serves as the starting point for hundreds of thousands of tourists eager to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Mexican hospitality and enjoy the golden beaches and turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean. Located just a few kilometers from the city center, it offers convenient access to the region’s best resorts and attractions.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport serves a large part of the state of Jalisco and Nayarit making it one of the busiest in Mexico. In addition to domestic flights, it operates regular and seasonal international destinations in the United States, Canada and Europe. The airport is also home to facilities for the Mexican Army and supports various tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities. Currently, the airport faces challenges such as overcrowding and congestion due to the continued increase in passenger demand. The airport connects travelers to 52 destinations, including 13 domestic and 39 international that are served by 24 airlines.
In the 1990s, PVR airport transitioned from an undersized coastal landing strip to a major international tourist hub. The decade was marked by crucial capacity upgrades, rising international passenger traffic, and the eventual privatization that shaped its modern management.
Seasonal resident, Nancy Hess remembers, “I first came to the Puerto Vallarta airport in 1960. I came in my dad’s private plane. There were no international commercial flights or a terminal. I remember the control tower was very interesting to my dad because it had a “butterfly” roof.” The present-day two-story terminal is attractive and clean. A variety of facilities are located in the vicinity of the passenger terminal, including civil aviation hangars, courier and logistics companies, and cargo services.
Presently, PVR has Concourse A (Gates 1-5A) which serves domestic flights and includes waiting areas with shops, concession stands and a VIP lounge. Concourse B is located in a satellite building connected to the main terminal by a long walkway. This lounge serves international flights, primarily from American and Canadian airlines. It offers seating areas, concession stands, restaurants, a VIP lounge and duty-free shops. The satellite has 15 gates (gates 6-20B) spread over two floors, and those on the upper deck are equipped with aircraft bridges. All international airlines operate from this area.
With the completion of the second terminal in 2027, the compact airport will the number of gates significantly. (Note lead diagram) These modernizations allow the airport to strengthen its status as a key transport hub for the entire coast of Jalisco state and the southern part of Riviera Nayarit by welcoming millions of travelers annually.
The expansion of the airport officially began in 2022 with construction of a new Terminal 2. The terminal is projected to cover more than 68,000 square meters (730,000 square feet), with significant expansions resulting in an increase from 9 to 16 remote boarding gates and from 11 to 19 boarding bridges. The development also includes improvements to parking facilities and the establishment of a new bus terminal. Terminal 2 is expected to handle 4.5 million passengers annually and aims to become the first airport in Latin America to be certified as NET Zero, according to Academia Lab.
One of the project’s most notable aspects is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The new Puerto Vallarta Terminal is designed to be the first in Latin America to seek “Net Zero” certification, a standard that aims to reduce carbon emissions to zero. This ecological focus is not only a distinctive feature but also reinforces Puerto Vallarta’s image as a responsible and environmentally friendly tourist destination.
The expansion of Puerto Vallarta Airport is more than just an engineering project; it is a long-term investment in the bi-states’ future. With a modern and sustainable infrastructure, Puerto Vallarta is preparing to welcome more travelers, solidifying its position as one of Mexico’s most important and efficient gateways to the world. It is a modern and super clean airport that is easy to navigate.
