Zacatecas expands its connectivity with a new flight to Oakland

The Secretary of Tourism Zacatecas, Le Roy Barragán, announced during the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2025 that this year there will be a new route between the Mexican state and the city of Oakland, California.
The flight, operated by the airline Volaris, will begin operations on 2 July, three times a week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). “Tickets are already being sold,” he said, noting that it will be scheduled for the morning, making it a convenient option for passengers.
This new route adds to Zacatecas’ growing network of connections with key US cities such as Los Angeles, San Jose, and Chicago. These routes are crucial to strengthen ties with the large Zacatecan migrant community, particularly in California, where more than half a million people from Zacatecas reside, according to Barragán.
Across the United States, it is estimated that 1.5 million people are of Zacatecan origin, making these air links a vital means of keeping families connected and promoting transnational tourism.
Additionally, the state government is working to increase the frequency of domestic flights within Mexico. The current route between Zacatecas and Mexico City, operated by Aeromexico, runs twice daily, and an additional service by Viva Aerobus is expected to be added soon. Other domestic routes in the pipeline include flights to Ciudad Juarez and Puerto Vallarta, offering more travel options for passengers.
Boosting Romance Tourism
Zacatecas is not only focused on expanding air connectivity but is also working to establish itself as a premier tourist destination. The Ministry of Tourism is actively promoting romance tourism, with initiatives such as ‘My Wedding Day’. This event, held last November, showcased the latest wedding trends and helped build relationships with specialist suppliers. These efforts aim to position Zacatecas as an ideal location for weddings, capitalising on its unique landscapes and rich cultural offerings.
The capital of Zacatecas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also receiving special attention in efforts to attract more visitors. One of the most notable initiatives is the decoration of the city’s streets with vibrant colours to enhance its architectural beauty. These improvements come at a key moment, as the city will host the National Charro Congress in 2026, an event expected to draw thousands of visitors and further cement the cultural significance of the city.
Challenges and future plans
Despite these advances, one of the main challenges for the state remains regaining the hotel occupancy levels seen before the pandemic. Barragán explained, “We need the domestic tourist to stay for three nights,” acknowledging that this is a key target for the region’s tourism industry. However, he is confident that the expansion of air routes and the launch of new tourism initiatives will significantly contribute to achieving this goal.
One of Zacatecas’ main attractions is the iconic El Edén Mine. This historic site, which operated as a silver and gold mine in the 17th and 18th centuries, ceased production in 1960 due to flooding in its tunnels and its proximity to the city. Since then, the mine has been transformed into a fascinating tourist attraction, offering a unique blend of history and adventure.