Xoxocotlán International Airport
Also known as: Oaxaca International Airport, Oaxaca Airport, OAX Airport.
Private transfer from OAXSee pricesSee pricesAbout Xoxocotlán International Airport
Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), officially Xoxocotlán International Airport, serves the city of Oaxaca and much of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. It lies in Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, a southern suburb about 12 km from the city center, and is the arrival airport for the Zapotec site of Monte Albán and the craft villages of Teotitlán del Valle and San Bartolo Coyotepec.
Most flights are domestic. Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris link Oaxaca with Mexico City, Tijuana, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancún, Mérida and Querétaro. Aerotucán, which has its hub here, and Aerovega fly small aircraft to Huatulco and Puerto Escondido on the coast. International routes go to Dallas/Fort Worth with American, Houston with United Express and Los Angeles with Volaris.
All flights use one single-storey terminal. Departures have eight gates, where passengers walk to the aircraft along open-air walkways, and arrivals, with immigration, customs and baggage claim, are at the southern end of the building.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR)
- Runway
One asphalt runway, 01/19, 2,450 m (8,038 ft)
- Passengers per year
About 1.9 million in 2025
- Elevation
1,521 m (4,990 ft) above sea level
Arrival tips for Xoxocotlán International Airport
Arrivals are at the southern end of the single-storey terminal. You walk from the aircraft to the building, then, on an international flight, pass Mexican immigration first; have your passport ready, along with any documents your nationality requires. Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim.
Collect your bags at the carousel for your flight, and report missing or damaged luggage at your airline's desk before leaving the hall. International passengers then go through customs.
The arrivals hall has taxi stands, car-rental desks, snack bars and souvenir shops. If you already have a booking, turn down unsolicited offers of transport and head for the meeting point in your confirmation.
The city center is about 12 km away. Oaxaca sits at about 1,500 metres, so evenings can be cooler than on the coast; keep a layer in your hand luggage.
Ground transportation
Most travelers take an airport taxi or a pre-booked transfer for the 12 km into the city.
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A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you to your hotel in the historic center or elsewhere in the Oaxaca valley, including Monte Albán, Teotitlán del Valle or San Bartolo Coyotepec. The most comfortable choice with luggage or a group.
Airport taxi
Taxi stands are in the arrivals hall for the ride to the city center, without booking ahead.
Rental cars
Car-rental desks are in the arrivals hall, useful for touring the valley's villages and archaeological sites.
Small-plane flights to the coast
Aerotucán and Aerovega fly from the same terminal to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, a much shorter trip than the road over the mountains.
Terminals
Main terminal
One single-storey terminal for domestic and international flights, with eight gates reached on foot along open-air walkways. Arrivals are at the southern end.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Aerotucán, Aerovega, American Airlines, United Express, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Snack bars
Snack bars are in both the departures concourse and the arrivals hall.
Souvenir shops
Souvenir shops are in the departures concourse and the arrivals hall.
Car-rental desks
Car-rental counters are in the arrivals hall.
Taxi stands
Taxi stands are in the arrivals hall.
Lost luggage
For baggage that does not arrive or is damaged, contact your airline's baggage-service desk before leaving the terminal.
Airport lounges
VIP Lounge
On the departures concourse, after security. Access through an eligible ticket, lounge membership programmes such as Priority Pass, or paid entry; check hours and conditions before you fly.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Ask your airline for wheelchair service or other help when you book, or at least 48 hours before you fly. Assistance is arranged by the airline and its ground-handling company.
Reduced mobility
Passengers walk to and from the aircraft along open-air walkways, with no jet bridges. Tell your airline in advance if you need help boarding.
Service animals
Confirm the documents and travel conditions for a service animal with your airline before you fly.
Assistance on arrival
If you requested assistance, tell the cabin crew before you leave the aircraft so airline staff can meet you.
Parking
Short-term and long-term parking are available next to the terminal. Check the posted rates on entry and keep your ticket safe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official name of Oaxaca airport?
Oaxaca's airport is officially called Xoxocotlán International Airport, after the municipality of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán where it stands. Most travelers know it as Oaxaca International Airport. Its IATA code is OAX and its ICAO code is MMOX, so look for OAX on your ticket and baggage tags.
How far is Oaxaca airport from the city center?
Oaxaca airport is about 12 km from the city center, in the southern suburb of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán. The trip into the historic center is short by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Monte Albán and the craft villages of San Bartolo Coyotepec and Teotitlán del Valle are also within easy reach of the airport by road.
Which airlines fly to Oaxaca airport?
Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris fly to Oaxaca from Mexico City, and also connect it with Tijuana, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Cancún, Mérida and Querétaro. International flights come from Dallas/Fort Worth with American, Houston with United Express and Los Angeles with Volaris. Aerotucán and Aerovega fly small planes to the Oaxaca coast.
Can I fly from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco?
Yes. Aerotucán flies from Oaxaca airport to Puerto Escondido, Huatulco and Ixtepec, and Aerovega flies to Puerto Escondido, both on small aircraft. The flight is far shorter than the winding road over the mountains, but seats are few and luggage allowances are small, so check the baggage rules before you book.
Is there a lounge at Oaxaca airport?
Yes. Oaxaca airport has one VIP lounge on the departures concourse, after security. Entry is available through eligible tickets, lounge membership programmes such as Priority Pass, or paid access, depending on the lounge's current conditions. Hours follow the flight schedule, so check before you travel.
How early should I arrive at Oaxaca airport for my flight?
A common guideline is to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight from Oaxaca. The terminal is compact, but check-in and security can get busy when several flights leave close together, especially during festivals such as the Guelaguetza and Day of the Dead. Always follow your airline's recommendation.