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Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) – Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport 2 July 2025 by author

Guadalajara International Airport, officially known as Aeropuerto Internacional Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (IATA: GDL, ICAO: MMGL), is the primary international gateway serving the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Established in 1966, it stands as the third busiest airport in Mexico by passenger traffic, aircraft operations, and cargo volume, reflecting its vital role in regional and international air transport. Location and Accessibility

The airport is strategically located approximately 16 to 17 kilometers south of downtown Guadalajara, along the Guadalajara-Chapala highway, and about 15 kilometers north of Chapala, home to Mexico’s largest lake. The facility also lies adjacent to the important El Salto Industrial Corridor, one of Jalisco’s key industrial zones. Transfer time from Guadalajara’s city center to the terminals typically takes around 35 minutes, facilitating easy access for travelers and cargo operations. Infrastructure and Capacity

Guadalajara International Airport features two runways and two passenger terminals designed to efficiently handle a growing volume of traffic. In 2024, the airport managed nearly 17.85 million passengers, marking a modest increase of 0.78% over the previous year.

The airport supports a broad spectrum of activities beyond commercial passenger flights, including charter services, flight training programs, and general aviation, contributing to its dynamic operational profile. Airlines and Connectivity

GDL serves as the largest hub for Volaris, Mexico’s leading low-cost carrier, which uses the airport as its principal gateway to the United States. Additionally, Guadalajara is a hub for Viva Aerobus and a focus city for Aeroméxico, Mexico’s flag carrier.

The airport offers extensive connectivity with destinations across Mexico, Central America, the United States, and Europe. This international reach positions it as a crucial node in Latin American aviation, ranking ninth in Latin America and 39th in North America by passenger volume. Cargo Operations

Aside from passenger traffic, Guadalajara International Airport is Mexico’s second busiest airport for air cargo, underscoring its importance in supporting regional commerce and manufacturing supply chains, especially given its proximity to prominent industrial areas. Administration and Contact Information

Operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), the airport is named in honor of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a seminal figure in Mexico’s War of Independence.

Airport Address: Carretera Guadalajara Chapala km 17.5 Tlajomulco de Zuñiga, Jalisco, C.P. 45659 Phone: +52 (33) 3688-5248, 3284-6484

Corporate Offices: Avenida Mariano Otero No. 1249-B, Torre Pacífico, Piso 6 Rinconada del Bosque, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, 45140 Phone: +(52 33) 3880-1100

Guadalajara International Airport remains a pivotal aviation hub serving Mexico’s western region and a key gateway for international visitors and commerce alike. Its continued growth and strategic connectivity underscore its significance within Mexico’s national transportation infrastructure.