Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)

Guadalajara, MX 🇲🇽 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

MMGL

IATA

GDL

Elevation

5016 ft

Region

MX-JAL

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: MMGL

Local Code: GDL

Location: 20.523342° N, -103.310108° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara

Arrivals

View incoming flights

Departures

View outgoing flights

External Links

Official Website Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

Tourist Attractions View
Hotels View
Restaurants View

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) presents a mixed experience for recent travelers, characterized by significant ongoing modernization efforts alongside persistent operational and service challenges. While many appreciate the updated facilities and amenities, issues with customs and immigration procedures remain a notable source of frustration. Overall traveler satisfaction appears to be influenced heavily by individual experiences with airport staff and processing efficiency.

What Travelers Love

Modernization and Facilities: The airport has undergone significant renovations, including a second runway inaugurated in July 2024, contributing to its modern appearance and increased capacity. There are also new restaurants, offices, and an updated parking structure.
Cleanliness: Travelers frequently commend the cleanliness of the airport, particularly the restrooms.
WiFi & Charging: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and power points are conveniently located at most gates, making it easy to stay connected and charge devices.
VIP Lounges: Several pay-per-use lounges, including Aeroméxico Salón Premier and VIP Lounges (West and East), offer comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and air conditioning for an enhanced layover experience.
Security Checkpoint Efficiency (sometimes): Some travelers have reported quick security checks, especially at the upper-level checkpoint or with priority access.
24-hour Operation: GDL operates around the clock, offering various eateries and retail outlets with 24-hour service.

Common Complaints

Customs/Immigration Corruption and Inefficiency: A recurring and significant complaint is alleged corruption and poor service from customs personnel, with travelers reporting being unfairly charged for luggage or experiencing rude staff. The "stop-light" system for baggage checks can also be a point of anxiety.
Sleeping Conditions: Most terminal seating features armrests, making comfortable overnight stays difficult. Security guards have also been reported to prevent travelers from lying down on couches. Mosquitoes are also a reported nuisance for those attempting to sleep in the airport.
Check-in and Gate Congestion: The check-in area can feel small and crowded, leading to long queues. There's also a lack of jet bridges, often requiring passengers to use buses to reach remote stands, which is considered inefficient for Mexico's third busiest airport.
Parking Issues: On-site airport parking can be expensive for longer stays, and the long-term E4 Parking option is currently uncovered.
Transportation Concerns: The presence of "pirated taxi drivers" soliciting riders is a concern, and while ride-sharing services like Uber are available, there can be friction with official airport taxis, sometimes leading to higher fares or difficulties in pick-up.
Distance from Downtown: The airport's location is somewhat far from the city center, necessitating longer taxi rides or more planning for transportation.

Guadalajara International Airport is actively modernizing, evident in its improved facilities and recent awards for service quality. However, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges, particularly regarding customs and immigration processes, and consider pre-booking airport transfers and exploring lounge access for a more comfortable experience.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

Loading weather data...

Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)

Newly Discovered

General Rodolfo Sanchez Taboada Int'l (MXL) new
General Mariano Escobedo Int'l (MTY) new
Dallas-Fort Worth Intl (DFW) new
Lic. Benito Juarez Int'l (MEX) new
Houston Bush Int'ctl (IAH) new
Chicago Midway Intl (MDW) new
Los Angeles Intl (LAX) new
Carlos Rovirosa Perez Int'l (VSA) new
General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Int'l (TIJ) new
Mexico City Santa Lucía Airport (NLU) new
Tocumen Int'l (PTY) new
Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) new

Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 149 routes are indexed for Guadalajara International Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

0 destinations displayed

Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
Loading... Loading routes...

Top Airlines

Operating at Guadalajara International Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
Volaris `VOI` / `Y4`	51	1249	51	Dec 11, 2025
VivaAerobus `VIV` / `VB`	25	875	25	Dec 11, 2025
AeroMéxico `AMX` / `AM`	5	246	5	Dec 11, 2025
American Airlines `AAL` / `AA`	1	55	1	Dec 11, 2025
United `UAL` / `UA`	1	44	1	Dec 11, 2025
Cargolux Airlines International `CLX` / `CV`	4	37	4	Dec 11, 2025
Copa Airlines `CMP` / `CM`	1	28	1	Dec 11, 2025
Alaska Airlines `ASA` / `AS`	2	28	2	Dec 9, 2025
Aeroméxico Connect `SLI` / `5D`	1	26	1	Oct 12, 2025

Showing top 9 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`02/20`	5906 ft	98 ft	ASP	Closed
`11L/29R`	11608 ft	148 ft	ASP	Active Lighted
`11R/29L`	13123 ft	197 ft	ASPH	Active Lighted

Type	Description	Frequency
APP	GUADALAJARA APP	`119.3 MHz`
ATIS	ATIS	`127.9 MHz`
GND	GND	`121.9 MHz`
TWR	GUADALAJARA TWR	`118.1 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`GD`	Guadalajara	NDB	`395 kHz`
`GDL`	Guadalajara	VOR-DME	`117300 kHz`

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

The airport uses an official, pre-paid taxi system. Passengers must purchase a ticket from an authorized kiosk inside the arrivals hall after clearing customs. Fares are fixed based on a zone system, so your destination determines the price. Present your ticket to the driver at the taxi stand outside the terminal. Ride-sharing services like Uber and DiDi also operate, but their pickup locations may be at designated points slightly away from the main arrivals curb.

Rental Cars

Major international and local car rental agencies, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt, National, and Europcar, have service desks located within the terminal's arrivals area. It is advisable to book a vehicle in advance for better pricing and availability. After completing paperwork at the desk, a shuttle bus will typically transport you to a nearby lot to collect your vehicle.

Public Transportation

The most direct public transit option is the VIVAEROBUS shuttle bus, which connects the airport directly with the main bus terminal in Guadalajara (Central Nueva). This is an economical option suitable for travelers with luggage. Additionally, local public buses stop on the main highway just outside the airport grounds, offering a very cheap but less convenient alternative, not recommended if you have a lot of baggage.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.