Trip Report: Cabo San Lucas International Airport
The following is a summary of a trip report covering Cabo San Lucas International Airport following a visit from our Global Vendor Team.
Report Details
• Visit Date: 4/21/2024
• Country: Mexico
• Airport Name: Cabo San Lucas International Airport
• ICAO Code: MMSL
• IATA Code: CSL
Airport General Information
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Cabo San Lucas International Airport is undergoing a revitalization. A new commercial aviation terminal (across the runway from the general aviation building) and two large hangars recently opened. The terminal is a two-story building, with all the gates on the first floor and some VIP lounges on the second floor. These improvements will significantly aid in the development of the Los Cabos area economy.
The airport is managed by a private company, Cabo San Lucas Airport, which also manages the FBO. It’s open from 0600 to 2000 LCL (extendable according to demand) and has a single runway (11/29) and taxiway. It is a CAT VII airport and can handle aircraft up to a B757.
For GA departures, private vehicles can enter the ramp to drop off the passengers planeside. They will enter through the same gate as the one used by the airport employees. The driver will be asked to identify the passengers and will then be permitted to enter. Cabo San Lucas personnel will collect the passengers’ passports and take them to the Immigration officer together, with only one member of the passengers representing all of them. The luggage will be loaded onto the aircraft directly from the car and will only be checked if the Customs officer requests. Once the process is complete, the passports are returned to the passengers and the aircraft is ready to depart. The whole process typically takes around 10 minutes. If the passengers are dropped off and enter the FBO building from the landside door, the process is still the same. For the GA arrival process, private vehicles can be stagged and wait for the passengers outside the FBO building. When the plane arrives, all the luggage and passengers must enter the FBO building (golf carts are available for transport across the ramp) for CIQ processing. Immigration will check all the passports, then the passengers must push the button of the “traffic light.” If it is green, Customs will not check the person’s luggage. If it is red, they will. Once the process is complete, the passengers are permitted to leave. The security, Customs, and Immigration staff are always the same, so it’s a big advantage since they are always used to dealing with general aviation passengers and crew.
When it comes to fuel, all positions (both GA and commercial) must use fuel trucks, there are no hydrants. The trucks hold a total of more than 300K liters (79K gallons), so that helps shorten any delays. However, it is important to keep this in mind when determining when to fuel (on arrival vs. day of departure).
Finally, there are more than six (6) hangars of different sizes available for parking, maintenance services, or resident aircraft. One is also used for Customs. The airport has been and continues to invest in the hangars to attract new, permanent customers.
Airport Location
Distance to/from downtown Cabo San Lucas: 4.2 miles/6.8 Kms
Time to/from downtown Cabo San Lucas: Usually 20 minutes, even during rush hour, as there is not much traffic in
the immediate region
Travel to/from Downtown San Jose Del Cabo: 41 Kms / 25.4 Miles
Time to/from Downtown San Jose Del Cabo: Usual [Rush-hour]: 45 mins / Rush Hour – 45-65 mins
General Aviation Area Description
Approx. number of aircraft accommodated: Eight (8) short-term stands, 16 remote parking stands
Number of GA ground handlers: 1
Handler Notes: Third-party employees who handle flights must meet the crew in the FBO building. They cannot enter the airport.
Ramp controlled by Airport, GAT, or FBOs: Airport
Distance between GA area and main terminal: Approx 400m (1315 feet)
GA permits and slot required: Landing Permit
Notice required for permits and slots: Minimum 1 hour for permits
Notes for GA parking: Quick drop-off and short stays are permitted on the ramp outside the FBO building. Hangars for tenants are available, with a longer-term parking ramp across the runway. The airport tower controls the parking. Please keep in mind that the ramp is not flat; it has some inclination. All the parking positions are autonomous, so no pushback is necessary.
FBO building: The building has four (4) different waiting areas, with sofas, private restroom facilities, complimentary drinks, and free Wi-Fi. The Ops team is located on the left side, coming from the airside door.
Commercial Area Description
Approx. number of aircraft accommodated: Six (6) parking stands
Types of commercial traffic using the airport: Airlines
Commercial permit and slots required: Landing Permit
Notice period for commercial slots and permits: 10 days for landing permits
Notes for commercial parking: Full equipment for the commercial airlines is available
Customs & Immigration
Customs and Immigration are cleared in the FBO building. When entering from the airside, Immigration is to the right, and Customs is on the left. SENEAM also has an office on the second floor of the building.
Ground Transportation
The airport has created its own ground transportation company, called Cabo Cardinal Transport Company. Since it is owned by the airport, the operation has lots of flexibility which avoids any issues with drop-offs or pickups. They have also expanded their fleet recently with Suburban SUVs.
Catering
The only provider at the airport is The Coffee Air, which is operated by the airport and located on the second floor of the FBO building.
Security
Security Level: 4
Increased threat of kidnapping on intercity buses departing Reynosa, Tamaulipas state - On 11 July 2024, the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros continues to receive reports of organized kidnappings for ransom occurring on intercity buses departing Reynosa, Tamaulipas, operated by the transportation company Omnibus. The Department of State's Travel Advisory for Tamaulipas is Level 4 - Do Not Travel due to crime and kidnapping. "These kidnappings have occurred predominantly in the evenings on Omnibus buses departing south from the main Reynosa bus terminal. Kidnappers have specifically targeted passengers with connections to the United States, including U.S. citizens and residents. Victims report their belongings and documents are stolen, bank accounts emptied, and their families are forced to pay ransoms of thousands of dollars for each victim." Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena party won the presidential election held on 2 June. Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, is expected to take office on 1 October and will be Mexico's first female president. Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) party has served as president of Mexico since his inauguration on 1 December 2018. AMLO's approach to combating Mexico's elevated homicide rates and systemic corruption has produced mixed results. Drug cartel violence is a significant concern throughout Mexico, particularly near the country's northern border with the U.S., the Pacific Coast states of Guerrero, Jalisco, and Michoacán, as well as the central state of Guanajuato. The Mexican government has faced an increasing number of economic challenges in recent years, including the cultivation of private investment in the energy sector, improving infrastructure, and overhauling the public education system. Drug cartel-related violence remains one of Mexico's most significant concerns. While drug cartel violence does not usually directly target foreign travelers, collateral risks have increased significantly throughout the country. Heavily armed self-defense groups formed in Michoacán and Guerrero states have clashed with cartels and security forces. General crime is a significant concern for travelers to Mexico. The types of crime commonly encountered, however, vary widely in different areas of the country. Kidnapping for ransom is a serious concern throughout Mexico. Highway robberies, carjacking, and poor infrastructure affect transportation in Mexico. Protests have the potential to disrupt transportation, especially in major cities. There is a risk of isolated confrontations between police officers and protesters. Rampant corruption among all levels of government and the business community is a concern for foreign travelers and businesses in Mexico.
*This information is provided by United Healthcare Global Risk
Handler Information
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- Cabo San Lucas International Airport
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