CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry, Charlotte City Councilmember Marjorie Molina and Ralph Lopez Massas with American Airlines helped kick off air service to Tulum on March 28.
April 18, 2023 – American Airlines held a fiesta on March 28 to celebrate its inaugural nonstop flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to the new airport in Tulum, Mexico (TQO). The route gives travelers another option for getting to the Riviera Maya.
Before boarding with her family, Regina Phipps from Cornelius, N.C., said she was excited to be on the first flight, and she was surprised to find such a fancy party at the gate. There were festive decorations, Mexican music as well as a sampling of traditional Mayan cuisine, including antojitos, shrimp ceviche and horchata.
About two hours south of Cancun, Tulum is a popular tourist destination, featuring ancient ruins, white sandy beaches and lush jungles.
Phipps decided to spend spring break in Tulum based on friends’ glowing recommendations. She, her husband and their two children are staying for a week. They plan on visiting Chichen Itza, snorkeling and relaxing.
The daily flight from CLT to TQO brings American’s number of nonstop flights out of Charlotte to 164. CLT Chief Executive Officer Haley Gentry said the occasion made history in more ways than one. More than 43,000 local passengers began their trip at CLT on March 28. A new record!