Mexico and US Hit with New Travel Disturbance as Volaris and Rafilher Airlines Cancel Multiple Flights, Affecting Major Routes including Mexico City, Cancun, Oakland and More

Published on
August 20, 2025

Volaris and Rafilher Airlines have cancelled multiple flights, causing significant travel disturbance across Mexico and the United States on 19th August. These cancellations are affecting major routes to key cities such as Mexico City, Cancun, and Oakland. Passengers traveling to and from Mexico City, a major international hub, face delays as Volaris and Rafilher flights are grounded. Similarly, popular tourist destinations like Cancun, a vital gateway to Mexico’s Caribbean, have been impacted. The cancellations are also causing confusion at Oakland airport, a key U.S. hub for travelers heading to Mexico. As a result, both Mexican and American passengers are advised to stay updated on their flight status, as alternative arrangements are being sought. This travel upset highlights the challenges faced by airlines and passengers in times of disruption, emphasizing the importance of staying informed during such events.

A total of six cancellations and only one delay occurred across Rafilher Airlines (RFD) flights at airports including Monterrey, Tepic, Cozumel, and Cancun. Meanwhile, Volaris (VOI) cancelled four flights but delayed 24 flights, impacting airports in Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, and Oakland.

Affected Airports

The affected airports across the flight cancellations include General Mariano Escobedo Int’l (MTY) in Monterrey, Venustiano Carranza Int’l (LOV) in Tepic, Cozumel Int’l (CZM) and Cancun Int’l (CUN) in Cancun, and Del Bajio Guanajuato Int’l (BJX) in Leon, all located in Mexico. Additionally, Lic. Benito Juarez Int’l (MEX) in Mexico City, Puerto Escondido Int’l (PXM) in Puerto Escondido, and Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Int’l (GDL) in Guadalajara are also impacted. For international connections, San Francisco Bay Oakland Intl (KOAK) in Oakland, United States, is also affected. These disruptions span key cities in both Mexico and the U.S., impacting major travel hubs in the region.

The cancellations by both Rafilher (RFD) and Volaris (VOI) airlines impact key routes and airports across Mexico, which could disrupt normal travel and connectivity in the region.

Rafilher (RFD) Cancellations

1. Routes and Airports:
   • General Mariano Escobedo Int’l (MTY): Located in Monterrey, a major industrial and business hub in northern Mexico. It serves as a key airport for both domestic and international flights.
   • Venustiano Carranza Int’l (LOV): Serving the city of Tepic, this airport primarily handles regional flights within Mexico. Tepic is not a major international destination, but it connects key northern and western regions of Mexico.
   • Cozumel Int’l (CZM) and Cancun Int’l (CUN): Cozumel is a popular island destination near Cancun, known for its tourism industry, including cruise ships and diving spots. Cancun is a major tourist gateway, particularly for international travelers to the Caribbean.
   • Key Routes Impacted:
     • MTY to LOV and vice versa: These flights are crucial for travelers connecting from the north of Mexico to regional airports in the western regions. Cancellations could disrupt business and personal travel, especially for smaller businesses or individuals traveling within Mexico.
     • CZM to CUN and vice versa: The Cozumel-Cancun route is vital for tourists heading to the Riviera Maya and the Caribbean, with these two destinations heavily relying on efficient air connectivity for tourism, including diving, resorts, and beach vacations.
2. Impact on Normal Travel:
   • Regional and Business Travel Disruption: Passengers traveling within northern and western Mexico, especially for business or family reasons, could experience delays or difficulty rescheduling, as both Monterrey and Tepic serve key commercial regions.
   • Tourism in the Caribbean: Cancun and Cozumel serve as primary gateways for tourists visiting Mexico’s famous beach resorts. Cancellations could lead to disruptions in tourism, impacting local economies and businesses relying on tourism, particularly during peak seasons.

Volaris (VOI) Cancellations

1. Routes and Airports:
   • San Francisco Bay Oakland Intl (KOAK): Located in the Bay Area of California, this airport serves both domestic and international travelers, with strong ties to both business and leisure destinations, particularly for flights to Mexico.
   • Del Bajio Guanajuato Int’l (BJX): Serving the central region of Mexico, this airport connects Guanajuato, Leon, and the Bajio region, which is an important industrial zone. It is a critical link for trade, commerce, and tourism.
   • Lic. Benito Juarez Int’l (MEX): Mexico City’s largest airport, it is a central hub for both domestic and international flights and serves as the main gateway to and from Mexico.
   • Puerto Escondido Int’l (PXM): Located in Oaxaca, this airport is a key gateway to one of Mexico’s most popular tourist regions, known for its beaches and vibrant cultural scene.
   • Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Int’l (GDL): Serving Guadalajara, this airport is a major hub for travelers in western Mexico, serving both domestic and international routes.
2. Impact on Normal Travel:
   • North-South Connections: The cancellations from Oakland (KOAK) to major Mexican airports like Guanajuato (BJX) and Guadalajara (GDL) could affect both leisure and business travel between the U.S. and central/western Mexico, especially as these routes are popular for Americans traveling to Mexico.
   • Tourism in Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido: Oaxaca’s tourism scene, especially its beach destinations like Puerto Escondido, could see a slowdown due to the cancellation of flights connecting these areas with major international gateways. This could particularly impact travelers planning to visit Mexico’s cultural and coastal spots.
   • Mexico City as a Central Hub: The MEX-PXM route’s cancellation could affect both domestic tourists heading to Oaxaca and international travelers using Mexico City as a hub for further connections within the country.

Broader Impact on Mexico’s Travel Landscape:

• Tourism and Business Disruptions:
  The cancellations of both domestic and international flights in Mexico heavily impact tourism and business sectors. Popular routes connecting major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are affected, along with routes to beach destinations such as Cancun and Cozumel. This is particularly relevant as the summer season is still ongoing, and many tourists were likely planning to travel.
• Alternative Routes and Increased Travel Times:
  Passengers may have to use alternate routes and longer transportation times, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Cancun and Puerto Escondido. Other forms of transport, such as buses or ferries, might be necessary, leading to additional delays and possible congestion.
• Impact on Air Traffic Management:
  With flight cancellations, airlines and air traffic management systems must cope with rebooking and accommodating affected passengers. The cancellations may strain available seats on other flights, potentially causing further disruptions.

In conclusion, the cancellations by Rafilher (RFD) and Volaris (VOI) will disrupt both tourism and business travel in Mexico, especially for those traveling to key hubs like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. The effect on regional tourism to places like Cozumel, Puerto Escondido, and Guanajuato could be considerable, as travelers are forced to adjust their plans.

Image Credit: Volaris