Can I Use the Holbox Aerodrome?

If you’re dreaming of skipping the long car rides and ferry queues to get to Isla Holbox, you may be wondering: Can I use the Holbox Aerodrome? The short answer is yes—but under specific conditions. This small, beachside airstrip has been serving adventurous flyers since 1996 and offers an alternative way to access one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most iconic islands. Here are some answers to the question “Can I Use the Holbox Aerodrome?”

Though it’s modest in size and operations, the Holbox Aerodrome (DGAC Code: HOL) is open to general aviation and plays a key role for those looking to arrive quickly and in style. Here’s what you need to know:

A Small but Functional Airstrip

The Holbox Aerodrome was built in 1996 under the direction of Alberto Saab, founder of the air taxi company Aero Saab S.A. It consists of a 660-meter long and 12-meter wide runway, a small apron with room for up to five light aircraft, and a minimalist terminal building with a palapa-style waiting area.

This airstrip is ideal for small private planes and chartered flights, often twin-engine or single-engine aircraft designed for short distances. There’s no commercial airline service, but if you’re flying with a private operator or through an air taxi company, you’re in luck.

Can I Use the Holbox Aerodrome? Who Can Use It?

The aerodrome is designated for general aviation only, meaning it can be used by private pilots, charter services, and small air taxi companies—not commercial airline carriers. The main operator servicing the aerodrome is Aero Saab, a regional company offering charter flights to and from Holbox.

If you’re interested in flying in, you’ll need to either:

• Charter a flight with a local company like Aero Saab, or
• Arrive in your own small aircraft (with prior coordination).

Pilots must arrange landing permissions in advance and coordinate schedules, especially since space is limited.

Beach-Style Terminal and Safety

The terminal building is far from your typical airport structure—it’s a palapa, fitting the laid-back, tropical vibe of Holbox. Though small, it offers shelter, shade, and a waiting area for arriving or departing passengers.

For safety, the aerodrome is monitored by staff from the nearby Puerto Holbox Hotel, located just across from the airstrip. The atmosphere is casual, but operations are handled professionally, making it a safe and reliable entry point to the island.

Can I Use the Holbox Aerodrome? Getting There and Flying In

Flights to Holbox are typically available (on private flights) from airports such as:

• Cancún International Airport
• Playa del Carmen Airstrip
• Cozumel Airport
• Mérida International Airport

Flight time from Cancún, for example, is only about 30 minutes, compared to 2–3 hours by road and ferry. Prices vary depending on aircraft type, number of passengers, and the operator, but the convenience and spectacular aerial views of the coastline often justify the cost.

Is It Worth It?

If you’re short on time or just looking for a unique travel experience, flying into Holbox via its aerodrome can be a game-changer. The approach to the island is incredibly scenic, offering views of turquoise water, mangroves, and untouched nature. For small groups or romantic getaways, it’s also a memorable way to kick off your island escape.

Just keep in mind:

• Book in advance.
• Confirm aircraft availability.
• Pack light—small planes have strict weight limits.
• There are no customs facilities, so international travelers must enter Mexico elsewhere first.

Holbox Aerodrome might be tiny, but it opens up big possibilities for travelers looking to trade crowded terminals and buses for a more direct and personalized route to paradise. If you’re ready to fly low and land right on the edge of this magical island, Holbox’s little airstrip is ready to welcome you.