AFAC Raises AICM Takeoff Limit to 44 Amid Ongoing Renovations

The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has authorized an increase in commercial operations—takeoffs and landings—at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), raising the limit from 43 to 44 per hour. Announced in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), this adjustment will apply during the summer and winter 2025 seasons and aligns with ongoing airport renovations and oversight by the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR).

This decision follows a series of reductions prompted by terminal and airspace saturation. In August 2022, the maximum hourly operations were cut from 61 to 52, and further reduced to 43 in 2023 to improve service quality. The new figure of 44 operations per hour is considered temporary and subject to revision based on infrastructure upgrades and operational performance.

“The concessionaire is instructed to implement measures that ensure the airport’s optimal operation and the adequate provision of public services,” states the resolution. The change is slated to take effect for the 2025 summer and winter schedules.

AFAC’s resolution specifies that any future increases beyond 44 operations per hour will depend on adherence to AICM’s master development plan and thorough analysis of airspace availability. The airport must demonstrate sufficient airside and landside infrastructure and operational capacity before further expansions can be approved.

The document also highlights continued challenges with terminal saturation. Terminal 1 experiences saturation from 05:00 to 22:59, while Terminal 2 faces peak congestion between 06:00 and 10:59, 13:00 and 19:59, and 21:00 to 21:59. These periods must be considered when scheduling operations.

“Operations at AICM may only exceed 44 per hour if the requirements of the development program are met, airspace conditions allow, and adequate infrastructure and capacity are available,” AFAC stated.

The decision was communicated to airlines on May 7, 2025, following AFAC’s mandatory review process. While the increase is modest, it reflects efforts to accommodate growing air traffic demand at Mexico’s primary airport hub.

Additionally, the resolution assigns the Directorate of Air Transport and Aeronautical Control  the responsibility for approving specific schedules proposed by the airport operator. These approved slots will then be allocated to airlines.

Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) and AFAC emphasized that the current limit of 44 operations per hour will remain in place as long as necessary. “This measure will persist while airspace limitations, as defined by SENEAM, remain in effect” stated the SICT.