American Airlines has ended its nonstop service between Phoenix and Tijuana, Mexico, dropping a route that launched in early 2024 but failed to attract enough passengers to remain viable.
The final flight operated on August 2, 2026, ending a connection between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Tijuana International Airport. The route covered roughly 290 miles, with a flight time of about an hour, making it American’s shortest U.S.-to-Mexico service.
The decision reflects the airline’s broader effort to adjust its Phoenix network based on passenger demand and operating costs. Routes that do not generate enough traffic can become difficult to sustain, even when they connect cities with business and family ties.
American has also announced plans to discontinue its Phoenix–Monterrey service by December 2026, citing similar demand concerns.
Tijuana remains accessible through other routes. The city sits close to San Diego and has extensive domestic connections within Mexico. Travelers can also explore flights through Mexican cities that offer onward service to Tijuana.
Despite the cut, American continues to serve nine Mexican cities from Phoenix, according to the supplied report. Its destinations include Cancun, Los Cabos, and Mexico City, along with seasonal service to Zihuatanejo.
For travelers planning a trip to Baja California, the change means checking alternative airlines, nearby airports, or connecting itineraries instead of relying on American’s former nonstop flight.
The smarter take: Airline routes can disappear when demand falls short, even between nearby cities. Before building a trip around a nonstop flight, check whether the service is still operating and compare alternatives through nearby airports. If you have already booked, confirm your itinerary directly with the airline.