The announcement was made during the awards ceremony for Viva Aerobus’s 10 millionth passenger at Mérida Airport.
Yucatan consolidates its position as a strategic hub for tourism and business in southeastern Mexico by celebrating the arrival of Viva Aerobús’ 10 millionth passenger at Mérida International Airport and announcing the return of the direct Mérida-Los Angeles flight for the 2025-2026 winter season.
In the presence of Adrián Altamirano, the 10 millionth passenger on Viva Aerobús flight 4282 from Monterrey, Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena stated that this event represents a historic moment for commercial aviation in the state, as it confirms that Yucatán continues to position itself as one of the most in-demand tourist destinations.
“Ten million isn’t just a number; it’s ten million stories: of families reunited, tourists who discovered our wonders, students who embarked on a journey, and Yucatecans who returned home,” he emphasized.
Accompanied by his wife, Wendy Méndez Naal, Honorary President of the Yucatán DIF (National Institute of International Development), the Governor indicated that this new connection will be more than just an itinerary, but will become a bridge uniting the communities of California and Yucatán, strengthening cultural ties, attracting tourists, and generating new investment opportunities.
In his message, he especially thanked Viva Aerobús for trusting Yucatán with this strategic step, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the state’s comprehensive development and international reach.
“We, as a government, will do our part through the Secretariat for Tourism Development (Sefotur). We have launched a new campaign called the Mayan Sanctuary, to show the world that Yucatán is an archaeological sanctuary, with Chichén Itzá, Dzibilchaltún, Uxmal, Mayapán, and other sites; a gastronomic and natural sanctuary, with our cenotes, underground rivers, beaches, and reserves and protected natural areas such as Ría Celestún and Ría Lagartos,” he explained.
Díaz Mena noted that the state has established itself as a strategic hub for development and international connectivity, thanks to the coordinated work between the state government, municipal governments, civil society, and the support of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, as well as the trust of the private sector.
He urged all sectors to remain united to welcome millions of visitors with open arms and build a vibrant Yucatán, full of culture and opportunities for its people.
In his speech, Héctor Navarrete Muñoz, Regional Director of the Southeast Airport Group (ASUR), emphasized that Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena’s presence at an event of this magnitude reflects the shared vision of continuing to promote tourism development in Yucatán.
“We are fortunate to have a Governor with a background in tourism, which provides the sector with confidence in decision-making and the implementation of appropriate measures, because he knows the subject,” he stated.
He explained that Viva Aerobús began operations in Mérida in March 2007 and has played a fundamental role in the growth of Mérida International Airport over the past 18 years.
For his part, the head of Sefotur, Darío Flota Ocampo, emphasized that this year will conclude with an intense agenda of actions aimed at positioning Yucatán as one of the most attractive destinations internationally.
“The promotion will focus on highlighting the pillars that distinguish the state: its safety, its renowned cuisine, and its cultural richness, factors that have captured the attention of visitors from around the world,” he noted.
Source: SEFOTUR
