American Airlines cancels two Phoenix to Mexico routes, adds a limited time route

American Airlines is canceling two flights from Phoenix to Mexican cities and adding a limited time flight for Dia de los Muertos this year.

Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky announced to the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board on Thursday that American is canceling direct flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to both Tijuana and Monterrey.

American began the route to Tijuana in early 2024.

“They’ve tested that market out. It just didn’t work out for them,” Makovsky said.

Makovsky thanked Board Chair Ron Price for his work establishing the route to Monterrey in early 2023. The route is scheduled to end in December.

“That’s particularly disappointing to us because of the important business community that exists in Monterrey,” Makovsky said.

Sky Harbor’s air service team is working with other carriers to see try to establish a new route to Monterrey once American pulls out.

The added route is to Oaxaca for only four days at the end of October and beginning of November for the city’s world-renowned Day of the Dead festivities.

“So, get your tickets quick because they may sell out for Dia de los Muertos,” Makovsky said.

The news of the two cancelled routes came along with Makovsky telling the board that international flight traffic overall has improved from earlier in the year.

Read more: Overall travel holds steady at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, international travel begins to rebound.