Los Cabos Airport International Passenger Traffic Stays Near Record Highs For September

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We at The Cabo Sun have been watching the airport numbers closely, and September delivered exactly what a shoulder month in Cabo usually does: a brief late-hurricane-season dip, but still very strong by historical standards.

Per GAP’s official release, Los Cabos International (SJD) saw international passengers slip 4.0% year-over-year (205.1k → 197.0k), domestic down 5.7%, and total traffic down 4.8% for the month. Year-to-date, though, SJD remains on course: international is up 0.3%, domestic up 2.4%, and total passengers up 1.1% through September.

Airlines also offered more seats (+1.3%) system-wide with load factors essentially flat (80.7% vs. 81.0%), a sign that capacity—and confidence—remain high heading into winter.

Why a September dip still equals a strong year

September is traditionally Cabo’s softest travel month thanks to back-to-school schedules and the tail end of storm season.

What matters more is the base line: SJD has been operating near record levels all year, so even a single-month decline still sits well above pre-pandemic norms. The slight pullback is less a red flag and more a seasonal exhale before the holiday ramp.

Meanwhile, the traveler experience keeps improving. In mid-September, SJD earned ACI World’s Passenger Experience Level 2 accreditation, recognizing measurable upgrades across the journey—good news when winter lines get longer. Pair that with roadway improvements that make the airport ride faster and you’ve got smoother curb-to-gate flow this high season.

What this means for your winter trip

All indicators still point to a monster high season. Airline schedules are filling with added frequencies and new city pairs, and big fall events bridge right into the holidays.

Our latest forecast lays it out: Cabo Expecting An All-time Record Breaking High Season For Tourism. If you’re planning a winter escape, consider locking in flights and rooms now—especially for peak weeks.

Route-wise, connectivity keeps expanding. From new U.S. links and a long-awaited Copa Airlines Panama hub connection, to additional seasonal frequencies, it’s getting easier to reach Cabo from more places on more days. Dive into the specifics in our features on why the airport is more connected than ever and the 9 new nonstop flights confirmed in 2025.

Smart planning moves (do these now)

• Book early, aim mid-week. With load factors hovering around 80%+ and more seats in the market, the best nonstop times still go first; Tuesdays and Wednesdays often mean easier lines and better fares.
• Check the events calendar. October’s Bisbee’s tournaments pack the marina and ripple into early November. If you want the spectacle, base near the marina; if you want quiet, look toward the Corridor or San José those same weeks. See our guides on why Cabo gets so packed during that one specific week and what travelers need to know about the record-breaking crowds.
• Leverage new routes. Fresh nonstops (plus upgrades like JetBlue’s daily JFK-SJD) widen your options and help avoid awkward connections. Peek at our East-Coast update on how it’s easier than ever to fly non-stop from New York to Cabo.

Bottom line

Yes, September international traffic dipped 4.0%, and total passengers fell 4.8% for the month—but year-to-date SJD remains positive and is setting up for another blockbuster winter.

Airlines are keeping capacity strong, the airport is elevating the experience, and Cabo’s calendar is stacked.

For travelers, that means more choice, smoother journeys, and a destination that keeps performing—even when the calendar says “shoulder.”