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The Cancun international airport registered 1.25 million visitors In November as flight connectivity to the tropical destination continues to increase. But is it safe?
Cancun has defied the odds recovering over 61% of its tourism numbers from last year. To put this into perspective, the Cancun International airport is now one of the busiest airports in the world during the pandemic.
Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories.
Cancun Competes With Major International Hubs
Cancun has registered more international arrivals during the pandemic then any other airport in the western hemisphere with the exception of Mexico City
International passenger traffic for October, 2020:
Pearson Airport Toronto: 136,045
LAX Los Angeles: 305,051
JFK New York: 333,746
Cancun: 583,443
Mexico City: 613,877
Europe:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: 874,489
London Heathrow: 1,124,071
Airlines Increase Direct Flights To Cancun
On November 6th and 7th the Cancun International airport set new records during the pandemic with over 300 arrivals each day. Since then, more direct flights have been added from the United States, Canada, Cuba, Turkey and Europe.
Airlines are offering non-stop flight to Cancun from every major city in Canada and the United States this winter.
With Cancun International Airport being the the hub for Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun and the entire Riviera Maya, pent up demand will drive even more passenger traffic.
With all of the above destinations being the ‘Most Searched For 2021‘, Travel Off Path predicts Cancun International Airport to be the first airport to fully recover its pre-pandemic passenger numbers.
Cancun’s Strict Mask Enforcement
Masks are required everywhere in Cancun. With the CDC recommending masks as one of the top ways to prevent COVID-19,
Cancun has made it law that everyone must wear a mask while outside of their homes.
This includes all businesses, resorts, restaurants and even outside.
Failure to wear a mask can result in a fine of up to $200.00
Cancun Heavily Focused On Prevention and Sanitation
Many travelers have reported that Cancun is doing a great job in their resorts and restaurants.
From mandatory mask wearing, social distancing, temperature checks and constant sanitation, travelers have felt safe in resorts and the effort to prevent covid-19 transmission is a top priority.
Mandy Brackers from San Diego, California told Travel Off Path that she felt safer in Cancun then she did at home.
“I just feel safer, everyone at the resort seemed to be focused on prevention before anything else.” Brackers stated. “I was able to relax and enjoy my vacation. In some ways I think its stricter here then back home.”
Controversy Surrounding Super Spreader Tulum Event
An event called ‘Art with Me’ which is a similar event to Burning Man which was held from November 11th to November 15th in Tulum is being blamed for being a massive COVID-19 super spreader event.
The Daily Beast reported that a private testing company in New York has found that 70% of its positive cases can be traced back to the large beach party.
A witness that did not want to be identified told The Daily Beast that prevention protocols at the event were practically non-existent.
“I have nothing good to say about this event,” says Michelle, who is using an alias. “They served food too—all open barbecue finger food. Everyone was grabbing with their hands, There was not one mask.”
Canadian Government Announces Flights Originating From Cancun With COVID-19
The Canadian Government recently reported that 7 flights originating from Cancun on WestJet, Air Canada and Sunwing recently had passengers test positive for COVID-19.
The 7 flights arrived between November 28th to November 30th.
Cancun is far from alone though. Flights with positive cases of COVID-19 arriving in Canada over the last two weeks include:
- Puerto Vallarta
- Mexico City
- Amsterdam
- Punta Cana
- Sau Paulo
- Paris
- Chicago
- Fort Lauderdale
- Seoul
- Newark
- Boston
- Delhi
- Phoenix
- Philadelphia
- Palm Springs
Is It Safe To Travel To Cancun?
The Canadian and U.S. governments have stated to avoid all non essential travel to Mexico.
The CDC has rated Mexico as a Level 4 ‘Very High Risk’
Yet millions of people are still traveling to Mexico, so it safe? At this time, there are no guarantees and each traveler has to decide for themselves if the vacation is worth the risk. The second wave of the pandemic is greatly impacting countries right now including Canada, Mexico and the United States who are all recording record breaking daily cases.
If You Decide To Visit Cancun
If you have decide to travel to Cancun, don’t let your guard down. Once the margaritas are flowing and the sun is shining, it’s easy to forget there is an unseen worldwide pandemic creeping around.
Follow strict protocols while traveling as the CDC has stated clearly that travel does increase the risk for COVID-19 infection.
- Avoid any gatherings
- Wear a mask always (including outside)
- Don’t touch your face
- Stay 6 feet from others
- Wash and sanitize your hands regularly
- Avoid indoor restaurants that don’t allow for social distancing
Tips For Getting There Safe
If you decide to travel ensure that you have researched a travel insurance providers that covers covid-19. There are multiple steps while at the airport and on flights that travelers can take to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Check our our top 10 tips for flying during the pandemic.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Ryan BRISTOW
Wednesday 16th of December 2020
Went to Cancun lots of masks and sanitizer everywhere. Did get Covid but still pretty and I didn't die sooo???
Pikly Gonter
Tuesday 15th of December 2020
I just got back from Riviera Maya and no one was wearing a mask- it's much more free. It's awesome! Go to Riviera Maya for freedom.
Val
Sunday 13th of December 2020
I was in Cancun a week ago for 14 days. I did fell safer than US. Not everyone is wearing a mask on the beach and in open space as the article say and they shouldn't in open air . BUT the measures and desinfection are at a very high standard everywhere . You can see everyone putting on a mask when entering a location, everyone is temperature checked everywhere and given sanitizer at the entrance, mats at the entrance are soaket in sanitizer as well, so shoes get sanitized and bags and backpacks are sanitized . Social distancing is respected and enforced everywhere. Playa del Carmen is a little crowded but with all the measures in place I felt safe Resorts take extra measures to keep everyone safe, I was impressed on the amount of care and prevention that is in place there .
Mike Luiz
Saturday 12th of December 2020
Was there over Thanksgiving. Resort, restaurants and tours were very prevention oriented. Felt very safe, way fewer people than previous trips.
Gallo M
Saturday 12th of December 2020
Their Covid protocol is better than the USA. We were there for 9 days and they are very strict with following their government’s Covid prevention protocol. We felt safer there than being back in the US.