United Airlines Drops Tulum Flights, Expands San Francisco Network with 2 New Routes

United Airlines is pulling out of Tulum International Airport in January, marking another setback for Mexico’s newest airport. The carrier launched Tulum service just months ago, but demand has not met expectations, prompting the exit. This move follows similar cutbacks by other U.S. airlines at the airport, which opened in late 2023 to serve the popular Riviera Maya region. United’s decision underscores the challenges facing new airports in competitive leisure markets, where route profitability can be elusive despite high tourist volumes. Meanwhile, United is shifting focus to its San Francisco hub, adding two new routes from SFO to strengthen its West Coast network. The new destinations have not been disclosed, but they align with United’s strategy to deepen connectivity from its key Pacific gateway. The airline continues to adjust its schedule to match demand, balancing cuts in underperforming markets with growth in strongholds like San Francisco. For travelers, the Tulum exit means fewer nonstop options to the trendy destination, while Bay Area flyers gain more choices. United’s network realignment reflects a broader industry trend of pruning marginal routes and doubling down on core hubs.