Los Cabos by Private Jet: MMSD vs. MMSL

Pegasus Flight Support · Updated September 20, 2026 · 5 min read

Key Points

Los Cabos has two airports: Los Cabos International (MMSD/SJD) at San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas International (MMSL/CSL).
MMSD has the longer runway at 9,843 ft. MMSL's single runway is 6,998 ft.
MMSL is closer to the Cabo San Lucas marina and hotel zone. MMSD is closer to San José del Cabo.
MMSD publishes operating hours of 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local. Hours and customs availability at MMSL should be confirmed before filing.
Peak season runs roughly November through April, and parking fills early at both airports.
If MMSL reaches parking capacity, aircraft generally reposition to MMSD, which normally has enough room. La Paz (MMLP) is a further last-resort option.

Two airports, one destination

Passengers say they are going to Cabo. Operators have to decide which Cabo. The region is served by two airports about 20 miles apart at opposite ends of the tourist corridor: Los Cabos International Airport (MMSD) near San José del Cabo, and Cabo San Lucas International Airport (MMSL) near the marina and Land's End.

Both handle business aviation, both offer Jet-A1, and both sit in the same time zone, UTC-7 with no daylight saving. The differences that matter are runway length, operating hours, customs, and where your passengers are actually staying.

Side by side

	MMSD / SJD	MMSL / CSL
Airport	Los Cabos International	Cabo San Lucas International
Nearest town	San José del Cabo	Cabo San Lucas
Runway	16/34, 9,843 ft, asphalt	11/29, 6,998 ft, asphalt
Elevation	374 ft / 114 m	459 ft / 140 m
Operating hours	6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local	Confirm before filing
Customs	Main international airport for the region	Confirm availability before filing
Fuel	Jet-A1	Jet-A1
Time zone	UTC-7, no DST	UTC-7, no DST

When MMSD is the better choice

Los Cabos International is the region's main international airport, with a 9,843 ft runway, premium FBO facilities for private aviation, and published operating hours of 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local. It is the natural choice for larger aircraft, for passengers staying in San José del Cabo or along the eastern end of the corridor, and for any trip where you want the most predictable customs and immigration process.

The trade-offs are that nighttime operations are limited and that it is the longer drive for passengers headed to Cabo San Lucas itself.

When MMSL is the better choice

Cabo San Lucas International sits minutes from the marina and the Cabo San Lucas hotel zone, which makes it the closer option when that is where your passengers are going. It is a general-aviation-oriented field that sees a steady flow of business jets in the winter season.

There are two things to check first. The single runway is 6,998 ft, so run the numbers for your aircraft, particularly for a warm-day departure at higher weights. And customs availability and operating hours should be confirmed before you file, because arriving internationally at an airport that cannot clear you at that hour means a change of plan.

When parking runs out

MMSL is the smaller field, and it is the one that fills first. When it reaches parking capacity, aircraft generally reposition to Los Cabos International (MMSD), which normally has sufficient capacity and is the preferred alternative. La Paz (MMLP) is a further option, and it is a last resort rather than a first move.

Settle this when you book rather than on the day. A reposition changes crew planning, fuel, and cost, and the answer is easier to arrange before the ramp is full.

La Paz (MMLP) airport guide

Planning notes for both

Peak season runs roughly November through April, with spring break adding to demand at MMSL. Arrange parking early.

Holiday demand is tightest between Christmas and New Year's. Early December has noticeably less pressure on parking and services.

The desert climate gives year-round good flying weather, but warm temperatures affect takeoff performance.

Mexico's first-landing and last-departure requirement applies: your first landing in the country and your last departure from it must be at an international airport of entry. If that is Los Cabos, confirm customs and immigration will be available at your arrival time.

Aircraft returning to the US from Mexico must clear at a designated southern border airport unless they hold an applicable Border Overflight Exemption (BOE).

Drop-and-go is common in peak season. Ask about repositioning options when parking is tight.

How Pegasus helps

Pegasus Flight Support coordinates ground handling, fuel, customs and immigration facilitation, catering, and crew arrangements at both Los Cabos airports. Tell us where your passengers are staying and what you are flying, and we will recommend the airport, confirm hours and customs for your arrival time, and arrange handling and parking.

FAQ

Which airport do private jets use for Cabo San Lucas?

Both Los Cabos International (MMSD) and Cabo San Lucas International (MMSL) handle private jets. MMSL is closer to Cabo San Lucas and the marina, while MMSD has the longer runway and is the region's main international airport.

How long is the runway at Cabo San Lucas International Airport?

MMSL has a single asphalt runway, 11/29, that is 6,998 ft long. Los Cabos International (MMSD) has a 9,843 ft asphalt runway, 16/34.

What are the operating hours at Los Cabos International Airport?

MMSD operates from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time, and nighttime operations are limited. Operating hours at MMSL should be confirmed before filing.

What happens if there is no parking at Cabo San Lucas International?

If MMSL reaches parking capacity, aircraft generally reposition to Los Cabos International (MMSD), which normally has sufficient capacity and is the preferred alternative. La Paz (MMLP) is a further last-resort option.

Last reviewed September 2026. Mexican aviation regulations change frequently. Confirm current requirements with Pegasus before every trip.