Los Cabos Earthquake Causes Minor Damage To Airport, But Tourists Remain Unaffected

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We at The Cabo Sun know any mention of “earthquake” can make travelers nervous—especially if you’re wheels-up to paradise this week.

Here’s the bottom line: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) is operating normally, and tourists are moving through without interruptions after a light quake on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Local outlets report minor cosmetic damage (think a few ceiling panels in the check-in area), but no structural issues and no injuries.

What happened on September 1?

According to authorities, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake was recorded near San José del Cabo in the afternoon. State officials note the event at 2:38 p.m. local time, which aligns with national seismic logs and media summaries.

• Damage report: Merchandise fell in a few shops; some businesses and a clinic were briefly evacuated as a precaution. No injuries and no serious structural damage have been reported. Civil Protection teams are inspecting buildings to be safe.
• Follow-up tremor: Overnight into September 2, a smaller M3.8 quake was registered near San José del Cabo. Again, no added impacts for travelers were reported.

How is the airport running?

Normal operations. The airport’s operator indicated only minor, localized damage—notably in a section of the check-in area—and confirmed passenger safety and flight operations were not compromised. If you’re flying today or tomorrow, you should expect standard processing.

That said, it’s wise to build in a little cushion because road works around SJD can create periodic slow-downs.

If you haven’t seen it yet, our traveler alert explains why leaving earlier than usual for the airport is a good idea during the current construction phase.

Practical tips for travelers today

• Check your airline app for gate or timing updates, as you would after any local incident.
• Know your ride from the airport. Uber has confirmed it’s authorized to operate at Los Cabos Airport, but there’s a specific pickup flow—we break it down step-by-step here so you don’t waste time or money. Also see our reminders about avoiding pirate taxis around airports and resorts.
• Save official channels. Follow Protección Civil Los Cabos for advisories and drills (there’s even a nationwide drill on September 19).
• Earthquake basics still matter: If you feel shaking, Drop, Cover, Hold On, then quickly scan for hazards (loose fixtures, broken glass) before continuing your day.
• Watch concurrent conditions. Los Cabos is also seeing powerful swells this week, and some beach drop-offs—including Lover’s Beach—are temporarily suspended by port authorities for safety. If boat time was on your list, check status before you go.
• Resort readiness: Many properties are well-prepared for seasonal weather and safety protocols. If reassurance helps you breathe easier, bookmark our guide to resorts certified as temporary safe shelters this season.

Why this shouldn’t change your plans

Los Cabos experiences occasional light seismic activity, and authorities have robust inspection protocols after any event.

Monday’s quake caused only minor, cosmetic impacts, and the airport remained fully operational—exactly what most visitors will care about. If you’re traveling this week, the smartest play is simply to leave a touch early for SJD, confirm your ride and gate, and enjoy your trip.

For broader situational awareness this week (separate from the earthquake), keep an eye on the mar de fondo swell alerts and our ongoing weather coverage so you can pivot to great rainy-day plans if needed.