American Airlines has announced a new international service connecting Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) with Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). The new route, set to begin in February 2025, will offer travelers a direct link to the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, providing streamlined access between the United States and Mexico.
This strategic expansion marks a significant development for travelers in the Phoenix area, creating the first direct airline connection to the popular CBX facility. The service is designed to simplify cross-border travel for both leisure and business passengers.
Key Takeaways
- New Route: American Airlines will operate daily non-stop flights between Phoenix (PHX) and Tijuana (TIJ).
- Start Date: Service is scheduled to commence on February 13, 2025.
- Key Feature: The route provides direct access to the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal, a pedestrian bridge connecting TIJ to a facility in San Diego.
- Aircraft: Flights will be operated by SkyWest as American Eagle using a 70-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft.
- Significance: This is the first time a U.S. airline has established service directly to the CBX terminal, streamlining travel between Arizona and Baja California.
Details of the New Phoenix to Tijuana Route
American Airlines has confirmed that its new daily service will launch early next year. The flight is scheduled to depart Phoenix at 12:20 p.m. MST and arrive in Tijuana at 1:29 p.m. PST. The return flight will leave Tijuana at 2:10 p.m. PST, arriving back in Phoenix at 5:10 p.m. MST.
This schedule allows for convenient connections for passengers traveling through Phoenix from other parts of the American Airlines network. The flights will be operated under the American Eagle brand by regional partner SkyWest Airlines.
The Aircraft and Onboard Experience
The route will be served by a Bombardier CRJ-700 aircraft. This regional jet is configured with 70 seats, offering a two-class cabin layout. The configuration includes nine First Class seats and 61 seats in the Main Cabin.
Passengers can expect standard amenities for a short-haul flight, including Wi-Fi access. The choice of a regional jet reflects the anticipated demand for the route, balancing capacity with operational efficiency for the approximately one-hour flight.
The Role of Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
A central feature of this new route is its connection to the Cross Border Xpress. The CBX is a unique airport terminal with a pedestrian bridge that spans the U.S.-Mexico border, directly connecting Tijuana International Airport to a facility in San Diego, California.
This allows passengers to fly into or out of Tijuana but cross the border on foot through a dedicated, secure terminal, bypassing potentially long waits at traditional land border crossings. Passengers using the new American Airlines service will deplane in Tijuana and can walk directly into the U.S. via the CBX bridge.
How Cross Border Xpress Works
The CBX terminal opened in 2015 to facilitate easier travel between Southern California and Mexico. Passengers must have a valid boarding pass for a flight from Tijuana to use the bridge. They clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the U.S. side of the terminal. The facility has processed millions of passengers, offering a faster alternative to driving across the border to catch flights from Tijuana.
According to Jorge Goytortúa, CEO of Cross Border Xpress, this new service is a landmark achievement. He stated that it connects millions of passengers from American Airlines' extensive network to the unique advantages of the CBX terminal.
"For the first time ever, a U.S. airline will have service into TIJ, with its own ticket counter and installations on the U.S. side of the CBX terminal," Goytortúa explained.
Strategic Importance for American Airlines and Phoenix
The introduction of this route is a strategic move for American Airlines, which operates a major hub at Phoenix Sky Harbor. It taps into the significant demand for cross-border travel between Arizona and Baja California.
The service offers a new, convenient option for a large market that includes:
- Leisure travelers visiting popular destinations in Baja California.
- Business travelers connecting with the manufacturing and commercial centers in Tijuana.
- Passengers with family on both sides of the border.
Phoenix Sky Harbor by the Numbers
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is one of the busiest airports in the United States. In 2023, it served over 48 million passengers. American Airlines is the largest carrier at PHX, accounting for a significant portion of its daily flights and passenger traffic.
José A. Freig, American's Vice President of International Operations, highlighted the airline's commitment to expanding its network. "As American’s West Coast hub, Phoenix is a key market for our airline, and this new route to Tijuana is a testament to our commitment to the region," he said.
Economic and Tourism Impact
This new air link is expected to have a positive economic impact on both regions. For Arizona, it provides a more direct connection to the business and tourism opportunities in northern Mexico. For Baja California, it opens up a new gateway for American tourists and business travelers arriving through the extensive American Airlines network.
The streamlined access via CBX is a critical component. By making the border crossing process faster and more predictable, it encourages more frequent travel. This can lead to increased spending in tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors on both sides of the border. The service will be available for booking starting June 17, 2024, for travel beginning in February 2025.
