GAP Reports Mixed Traffic Results in January 2026: Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica Airports

Event summary

  • GAP's 12 Mexican airports saw a 1.2% increase in total passenger traffic in January 2026 compared to January 2025, with Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta growing 3.6% and 2.6% respectively.
  • Tijuana and Los Cabos airports reported decreases of 4.2% and 0.3% respectively.
  • Jamaica airports Montego Bay and Kingston recorded decreases of 37.7% and 6.9% respectively due to Hurricane Melissa disruptions.
  • Total terminal passengers across all airports decreased by 2.2% compared to January 2025.
  • Seats available increased by 3.0%, but load factors dropped from 83.9% to 79.7%.

The big picture

GAP's mixed traffic results reflect broader challenges in the airport industry, including natural disasters and regional disparities in passenger demand. The company's strategic focus on key tourist destinations like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta is crucial for sustaining growth amidst fluctuating international traffic patterns. The decline in load factors despite increased seat availability suggests potential operational inefficiencies that need addressing.

What we're watching

Recovery Dynamics
How quickly Jamaica airports will recover from Hurricane Melissa disruptions and whether this will impact GAP's international traffic.
Domestic Growth
Whether the growth in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta can offset declines in Tijuana and Los Cabos.
Operational Efficiency
The pace at which GAP can improve load factors despite increased seat availability.