Key Points
- After discontinuing its flight route from Phoenix to Tijuana, American Airlines has completely withdrawn from the Tijuana market.
- The company is still adjusting its Phoenix network, and the Phoenix to Monterey route is also scheduled to be discontinued by December 2026.
- American Airlines has not completely withdrawn from Mexico; it still serves approximately 30 Mexican destinations at present.
After discontinuing its only flight route to this Mexican border city, American Airlines has completely withdrawn from the Tijuana market.
On August 2, 2026, the airline ceased operating flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tijuana International Airport, ending the service route that had been in operation since early 2024. This means that American Airlines no longer serves Tijuana.
American Airlines withdraws from Tijuana
The Phoenix to Tijuana route is one of the shortest international flights operated by American Airlines, with a flight distance of about 290 miles and a flight time of approximately 1 hour.
When this route was launched in 2024, it was seen as a potentially important connection between Arizona and northwestern Mexico, particularly suitable for travelers who need to visit relatives, for business trips, or those heading to Baja California.
However, it is reported that passenger demand did not meet the expectations of American Airlines. The airline ultimately concluded that the traffic generated by this route was not sufficient to support continued operations.
Tijuana, being close to San Diego, may also make the competition in this market particularly fierce. The city is only about 20 miles from the U.S. border, which provides travelers with various other ways to reach the area.
American Airlines continues to adjust its Phoenix network
As they were departing Tijuana, American Airlines was also making adjustments to its Phoenix network. The company has confirmed that it plans to discontinue flights from Phoenix to Monterey by December 2026 due to insufficient demand.
American Airlines regularly reviews its routes and cancels those that fail to attract sufficient passenger traffic or do not generate acceptable financial returns. Although it has withdrawn from Tijuana, American Airlines has not completely withdrawn from Mexico.
The company remains the U.S. airline with the most destinations in Mexico, serving approximately 30 cities. Departing from Phoenix, American Airlines currently offers flights to 9 Mexican destinations, including Cancun, Mexico City, and Los Cabos, in addition to seasonal flights to Zihuatanejo.
Therefore, withdrawing from Tijuana is more like a withdrawal targeted at a specific market, rather than a broader scale of contraction of operations in Mexico.
Danielle Walgenbach
Danielle is a journalist who covers cryptocurrency and financial markets. She has over four years of reporting experience and specializes in breaking down complex financial and economic topics into clear, in-depth reports.
