ALTA Eyes 2036 Regional Flight Surge Across Latin America and Caribbean as Brazil and Mexico Anchor Demand

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Brazil and Mexico are creating exciting new opportunities for growth in Central America and the Caribbean with a bold vision for aviation in the region by ALTA. However they aim to improve ease of travel, lower costs and increase connectivity by 2036. By increasing flight options, the destinations will provide increased access for visitors, allowing popular holiday hotspots and smaller communities to offer more visitors. This will help to increase local business and create new economic opportunities.

The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) outlined its ambitious vision on 23 October 2026, following the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum in Mexico City.

More than 360 aviation professionals and officials attended the gathering, including over 40 airline executives.

ALTA wants the region to move beyond its current benchmark of 0.69 air trips per resident annually and exceed one trip by 2036.

Reaching one trip would represent an increase of approximately 45% from the existing level.

The ambition could help more people discover neighbouring countries, explore new destinations and support local tourism businesses.

However, this remains an industry goal rather than a confirmed forecast.

Brazil and Mexico Emerge as Major Markets Behind Aviation Expansion

Brazil and Mexico hold a powerful position in regional aviation because of their large passenger markets.

According to ALTA, Brazil recorded 129.6 million air passengers in 2025, representing annual growth of 9.4%.

Mexico followed with 122.4 million passengers, up 2.4%.

These figures highlight the scale of demand in both countries.

Improved connections could encourage more travellers to visit Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Cancún, Los Cabos and Mexico City.

Smaller destinations could also benefit if airlines expand convenient and affordable domestic services.

Key Figures Behind ALTA’s 2036 Tourism and Aviation Ambition

Costa Rica and Central America Could Unlock Major New Tourism Opportunities

Central American destinations could benefit from improved regional air connections.

Costa Rica recorded 6.4 million air passengers in 2025, an increase of 3.2%, according to ALTA.

Better connections could make its rainforests, beaches and wildlife attractions easier to reach.

Guatemala also presents a significant opportunity.

In September 2026, the World Bank approved US$250 million to support modernisation of Guatemala’s aviation sector.

The programme includes improvements at La Aurora International Airport, Mundo Maya International Airport and selected regional airfields.

These investments could improve access to cultural attractions and smaller communities.

For visitors, better airports and transport links could make holidays easier to plan.

Caribbean Destinations Could Attract More Visitors Through Easier Air Travel

The Caribbean could gain from stronger international and inter-island connections.

Travellers often face expensive fares and limited schedules when moving between islands.

More convenient services could encourage tourists to visit multiple destinations during one holiday.

This could support resorts, local restaurants, tour companies and small accommodation providers.

ALTA’s summit also highlighted demand from Canadian travellers seeking warm beach holidays during winter.

Such demand could create opportunities for suitable seasonal services.

However, airlines must assess demand, operating costs and airport capacity before introducing routes.

The summit did not announce confirmed new services or ticket price reductions.

Lower Airfares and Stronger Connectivity Could Become the Biggest Tourism Game Changers

Affordable flights will be essential to ALTA’s long-term ambitions.

High airfares can discourage families, students and budget-conscious travellers from taking holidays.

During the Mexico City discussions, airline leaders raised concerns about taxes, airport charges, aircraft availability and financing costs.

They also highlighted the importance of competition, including low-cost airline options.

Clear regulations and efficient airport operations could make expansion easier.

Stronger connections could also support business tourism, cultural events and short international breaks.

Nevertheless, airlines must remain profitable to maintain dependable services and invest in future growth.

Tourism Spending Could Bring Fresh Economic Opportunities to Local Communities

The benefits of improved air connectivity could extend well beyond aviation.

More visitors could support hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions and local transport businesses.

The Inter-American Development Bank estimates average spending by international tourists in Latin America and the Caribbean at US$938 per visit.

The global average stands at US$1,184.

This gap highlights an opportunity to increase tourism income through better visitor experiences and services.

For illustration, one million additional international tourist visits at the regional average would generate US$938 million in direct visitor spending.

This is a hypothetical calculation, not an official revenue forecast linked to ALTA’s 2036 ambition.

Slower Economic Growth Could Challenge the Region’s Aviation Ambitions

Despite the opportunities, economic conditions remain difficult.

The World Bank forecasts economic growth of 2.2% across Latin America and the Caribbean in 2026.

Meanwhile, ALTA reported that regional air passenger traffic reached 283.1 million during January–July 2026, up 2% from the previous year.

This slower growth shows why careful investment matters.

Airlines need sufficient aircraft, reliable engines and sustainable financing to expand services.

Governments must also balance tourism development with infrastructure needs.

Without affordable fares and dependable connections, the industry’s ambitious goal could prove difficult to achieve.

Latin America and the Caribbean Face a Defining Decade for Tourism Growth

ALTA’s vision could reshape travel across Brazil, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean over the next decade.

More convenient flights could help families explore new places, encourage international holidays and bring business to smaller destinations.

Yet success will depend on cooperation between governments, airlines, airports and tourism operators.

The next ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum will take place in San José, Costa Rica, from 17 to 19 October 2027.

As the region looks towards 2036, the opportunity is clear. Better connectivity could bring more visitors, stronger local economies and new travel experiences. Turning that promise into reality will be the real challenge.

The future holds some exciting possibilities for tourists and tourism businesses in Brazil, Mexico, Central America & Caribbean. ALTA aims to make flying easier and cheaper so more people can travel to new places, spend time with their families and explore new locations. This can lead to more tourists staying at hotels, local businesses having more customers and creating new jobs in tourist reliant communities. This will only happen if there are improved airports, cheap flights and good collaboration between governments and airlines. If this is successful it can create long term tourism growth in the region.