Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
History, Facts and Overview

(Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

A number of commercial flights began at Puerto Vallarta's airport as far back as the 1950s, when cities such as Guadalajara became popular destinations. It was at this time that the local tourism industry started to find its feet and the whole region quickly began to grow, along with the airport itself. During the 1960s, a new domestic route was added, offering regular flights to the Mexican city of Mazatlán, which ultimately connected to Los Angeles. However, the airport was often not taken seriously, since nearby cows regularly strayed onto the runways and donkeys were used as an alternative when taxis were scarce.

During the late 1960s and thanks to the hard work and foresight of Mexico's president Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, both Puerto Vallarta and its airport were transformed.


In 1968, Puerto Vallarta gained the title of city and a bridge was soon built, spanning the Ameca River. In recognition of his contributions, Puerto Vallarta chose to name their airport after the president and it is now officially known as the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)

Essential passenger services are present at Puerto Vallarta's airport and include a bank, and both bureaux de change and cash machines, providing any easy way to obtain Mexican Pesos (MXP). There are several small shops on the ground level of the airport and duty-free shops on the upper level, while a café, restaurant and a bar are also on site.