Inguat Brings 14 Airlines to Explore New Routes in Guatemala

Guatemala is preparing to welcome representatives from 14 airlines in Guatemala to a high-level Connectivity Round Table, scheduled for Monday, December 8, in Antigua Guatemala. The event seeks to deepen discussions on new air routes, passenger flights, cargo operations, and economic opportunities for the country.

Airlines Explore Guatemala as a New Tourism and Cargo Destination

According to Harris Whitbeck, Director of the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (Inguat), the government has been actively engaging both new and existing airlines, offering updated data and insights that can support decisions regarding routes and flight frequencies. These efforts are supported by UN Tourism.

The workshop will include airlines that do not yet operate in Guatemala but have already established initial contact with the country. The goal is to encourage these carriers to visit Guatemala and take part in an open dialogue with public and private sector representatives about the country’s potential as a new destination.

Among the participating companies are:

• Southwest
• Flair Airlines
• WestJet
• Latam
• and Viva Aerobús

All of which have not yet entered the Guatemalan market. They will be joined by:

• Air Canada
• Wingo
• Grupo Abra, owner of Avianca
• United Airlines
• Tag Airlines
• Volaris
• Aeroméxico
• Copa
• and Alaska Airlines

Presenting Tourism, Economic, and Cargo Opportunities

During the general session, Guatemala will present the advantages it offers for tourism, economic activity, and air cargo. Authorities emphasized that airlines today evaluate not only passenger demand but also cargo capacity, seeking to fill aircraft bellies with both import and export goods.

The round table will also feature participation from officials representing the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Communications (through the Civil Aviation Authority), and the Guatemalan Exporters Association. Their role is to provide a broad overview of national opportunities that could motivate airlines to consider new routes and increased operations.

Expanding Connectivity Beyond the Capital

@inguatoficial 🇬🇹✈️#RounTtableGT con aerolíneas, autoridades y expertos del sector aéreo, con el objetivo de fortalecer la conectividad del país. #TurismoSomosTodos ♬ sonido original - Inguat

A key objective for Inguat is the diversification of air connectivity. Whitbeck explained that the institution is promoting interest not only in Guatemala City but also in the Mundo Maya Airport in Petén. Several airlines have already expressed curiosity about Petén’s tourism appeal and airport infrastructure.

Significant investments are currently being made in the Mundo Maya Airport, positioning it to once again receive international flights. Although it does not operate them today, the airport handled such routes in the past, and airlines are now evaluating the feasibility of resuming them.

Progress With Existing and New Airlines

Expectations for new routes are high, though Whitbeck noted that negotiations with airlines typically require many months. Still, Guatemala has seen tangible progress this year: Air Canada and Wingo began operations in the country, marking an achievement that took years of diplomatic effort. The Canadian Embassy highlighted that it took 17 years of attempts to advance airline investment toward Guatemala.

Additionally, further progress has been made with carriers such as JetBlue, United, American, and Avianca, which have opened direct routes to multiple cities in the United States. Whitbeck stated that each new connection represents a multimillion-dollar investment for airlines, from aircraft allocation to staffing in both origin and destination, making route decisions highly strategic and deeply evaluated.