Guanajuato, February 8 – The state of Guanajuato, Mexico, is making significant strides towards establishing a direct air connection with Madrid, Spain. María Guadalupe Robles León, Guanajuato’s Secretary of Tourism and Identity, confirmed that market studies are well underway, indicating a potential launch of this highly anticipated route in the first quarter of 2027, provided favorable conditions identified by the interested airline persist.
Project Originates from European Market Interest
In an interview, the state official explained that the initiative stems from considerable interest expressed by the European market during meetings held at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) in Madrid. During this event, Guanajuato successfully reinforced its position as a prominent international tourist destination.
“If all goes well, in the first quarter of 2027 we would have this flight. We will start with two weekly frequencies,” stated Robles León, highlighting the positive outlook for the project.
High Demand Anticipated for the New Route
The Secretary further elaborated on the strong potential for the flight, noting that initial expectations suggest a rapid increase in operations due to high demand identified in the market studies. This robust demand could allow the route to expand from two to three weekly frequencies in a short period.
“As we are seeing, very soon we would achieve the three frequencies, due to the great demand shown by the airline’s market studies,” she added, underscoring the confidence in the route’s success.
Alliance Between Government and Airline to Ensure Viability
Robles León emphasized that this project is being developed through a strategic alliance between the State Government and the airline. Guanajuato is actively participating in this partnership to ensure the route’s viability and profitability, particularly through promotional and marketing efforts.
“That is where we, as the State government, will be part of this alliance with promotion and commercialization,” she affirmed, detailing the collaborative approach.
Significant Increase in Spanish Tourism to Guanajuato
The Secretary pointed to the growing trend of Spanish tourism to Guanajuato as a key factor supporting the feasibility of a direct flight. She highlighted a substantial increase in visitors from Spain, even without a direct air connection.
“From 28,000 Spaniards who visited Guanajuato in 2021, last year there were 201,000, and we do not have a direct flight,” she revealed, illustrating the impressive growth in tourism from Spain.
This significant rise in visitor numbers underscores the existing demand and the potential for even greater growth once a direct flight becomes available. The establishment of this route is expected to further strengthen cultural and economic ties between Guanajuato and Spain, opening up new opportunities for tourism, trade, and exchange.
