Are there any direct flights from Mexico to the Caribbean?

Direct flights are extremely rare, usually only existing between Mexico City and Havana, Cuba, or occasionally Cancun to select hubs like the Dominican Republic.

Why is it so expensive to fly between islands?

Regional Caribbean aviation is dominated by a few carriers with limited competition and high airport taxes, which drives up the price for short-haul flights.

Booking flights from Mexico to the Caribbean

Most flights from Mexico to the Caribbean route through Panama City or Miami, as there are very few direct flights. Use aggregator sites to track multi-leg itineraries and always book these as a single ticket to ensure the airline covers you if a connection is missed.

Choose your hub. Mexico City (MEX) is your best bet for connectivity. Check flights from MEX to Panama City (PTY) via Copa Airlines, or to Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via American or Volaris. These are the primary gateways to reach Caribbean islands like Barbados, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic.
Use ITA Matrix for planning. Don't search on airline sites immediately. Use Google's ITA Matrix to see all available connections. Input your departure as MEX and your destination as your target island. Look for 'single ticket' itineraries to avoid self-transferring luggage.
Book as a single reservation. Never book two separate tickets (e.g., Mexico to Miami, then Miami to St. Lucia) unless you have a 6+ hour layover. If you book separate tickets and the first flight is delayed, the second airline has no obligation to rebook you.
Monitor for regional carriers. Once in the Caribbean, regional airlines like Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean, or Silver Airways operate the final legs. If you can't find a single-ticket route, look for flights to a major hub like San Juan (SJU) or Kingston (KIN) first, then book a separate, non-protected flight for the final hop.

Are there any direct flights from Mexico to the Caribbean?: Direct flights are extremely rare, usually only existing between Mexico City and Havana, Cuba, or occasionally Cancun to select hubs like the Dominican Republic.
Why is it so expensive to fly between islands?: Regional Caribbean aviation is dominated by a few carriers with limited competition and high airport taxes, which drives up the price for short-haul flights.