Cabo San Lucas
International Airport
The private general aviation field at the Cabo San Lucas end of the corridor. A 6,998 foot runway 98 feet wide, an on-site FBO, prior permission, and a case for light and mid-size jets. Larger aircraft use Los Cabos.
Reviewed by Kevin Singh, Founder · Fact-checked against Icarus Jet fleet and airport operations data · Last updated 2 September 2026
The Airport
Cabo San Lucas at a glance
Cabo San Lucas International carries the ICAO code MMSL and the identifier CSW. A single 6,998 foot runway, 98 feet wide, at 682 feet elevation about 12 kilometres north of Cabo San Lucas, with an on-site FBO.
It is a private general aviation airport requiring prior permission, suited to light and mid-size jets, with customs limited and arranged in advance.
Be Clear
Light and mid-size jets, closer to the resorts
11/29 is 2,133 metres, about 6,998 feet, by 30 metres, about 98 feet. The width limits it to light and mid-size aircraft, and fire cover is confirmed per operation. The airport is 15 to 20 minutes from the marina and the Pacific-side resorts, against about 45 from Los Cabos International.
Customs and immigration are limited and arranged in advance rather than permanent. Most international arrivals clear at Los Cabos and reposition, or use Los Cabos throughout; larger jets use Los Cabos regardless.
Operating
Permit, permission and time zone
Mexico requires foreign operators to hold a permit from AFAC. Charter operators use a Blanket Permit with the operator’s AOC validated by AFAC, which we plan at ten business days; since 1 January 2024 private operations file six-month single-entry authorisations. General aviation is restricted to the public-use airports AFAC lists, and every airport on this page is one of them.
It is a private airport, so permission from the operator is also required, and handling is through the on-site FBO with Jet A-1 available. Cabo San Lucas is on Mountain Standard Time, UTC-7, all year, one hour behind Mexico City. The season is November to May.
History
A private field for the far end of the corridor
The airfield was developed privately in the 1990s to serve Cabo San Lucas directly as the resort grew at the far end of the corridor from the international airport.
It has remained a private general aviation field with an FBO rather than a scheduled airport.
Nearby
Cabo San Lucas and the Mexico and Central America fields
Mexico is a permits market. Choose the airport by destination once the AFAC permit is in hand.
Los Cabos for larger jets and international arrivals. Tijuana at the top of the peninsula. Acapulco for the Pacific mainland. Cancún and Cozumel for the Caribbean. Querétaro for the Bajío. San José, Guanacaste and Limón for Costa Rica.
Airport guides & index
Questions
Cabo San Lucas, answered
Can private jets use Cabo San Lucas airport?
Light and mid-size jets, yes. Cabo San Lucas International, MMSL, is a private general aviation airport with a 6,998 foot runway 98 feet wide, an on-site FBO and prior permission required. It is closer to the Cabo San Lucas resorts than Los Cabos International. Larger jets, and most international arrivals, use Los Cabos, 45 minutes up the corridor.
How long is the runway at Cabo San Lucas?
11/29 is 2,133 metres, about 6,998 feet, by 30 metres, about 98 feet, in asphalt, at 682 feet elevation. The width limits it to light and mid-size aircraft, and fire cover is confirmed per operation.
What permit does Mexico require?
Mexico requires foreign operators to hold a permit from AFAC. Charter operators use a Blanket Permit with the operator's AOC validated by AFAC, which we plan at ten business days; since 1 January 2024 private operations file six-month single-entry authorisations. General aviation is restricted to the public-use airports AFAC lists, and every airport on this page is one of them.
Does Cabo San Lucas need prior permission?
Yes. It is a private airport and permission from the operator is required in addition to the AFAC permit. Handling is through the on-site FBO.
Cabo San Lucas or Los Cabos?
Cabo San Lucas when the aircraft fits and the destination is the Cabo San Lucas end of the corridor, about 12 kilometres away. Los Cabos International for larger jets, for international arrivals in most cases, and for San José del Cabo and the East Cape. Our Los Cabos guide covers that airport.
Can you clear customs at Cabo San Lucas?
Customs and immigration are limited and arranged in advance rather than permanent. Most international arrivals clear at Los Cabos and reposition, or simply use Los Cabos throughout. We confirm the arrangement for each flight.
What time zone is Cabo San Lucas in?
Mountain Standard Time, UTC-7, all year, since Mexico abolished daylight saving in October 2022. It is one hour behind Mexico City.
Is ground handling available?
Yes, through the on-site FBO, and it is arranged with the permission. Jet A-1 is available.
How far is the airport from the resorts?
About 12 kilometres north of Cabo San Lucas, around 15 to 20 minutes to the marina and the Pacific-side resorts. Los Cabos International is about 45 minutes.
What is the history of Cabo San Lucas airport?
The airfield was developed privately in the 1990s to serve Cabo San Lucas directly as the resort grew at the far end of the corridor from the international airport, and it has remained a private general aviation field with an FBO rather than a scheduled airport.
When is the season?
November to May, with the same peaks as Los Cabos: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, and spring break.
Get Your Number
Request a Cabo charter
Tell us the aircraft and where on the corridor you are staying. If it fits Cabo San Lucas we seek the operator’s permission and confirm the customs arrangement; if not, we plan Los Cabos with the transfer and say so from the start.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 888 277 7203 or email charter@icarusjet.com. The desk is staffed 24/7.