AICM Faces Delays After Heavy Rain Forces Two Closures

Mexico City’s international airport (AICM) was forced to close twice on Aug. 12 due to heavy rainfall, exposing critical vulnerabilities not only in infrastructure but also in air traffic control operations. These disruptions caused delays affecting 19,500 passengers and 120 flights.

José Alfredo Covarrubias Aguilar, Secretary General, National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SINACTA), highlighted that controllers are working “under protest” amid persistent staff shortages, extended shifts, and a recent communications system failure that further increased their workload.

Covarrubias Aguilar urged authorities to address these issues immediately, warning: “We are stretching the limits and do not want an accident to occur before measures are taken. Responsibility for any incident will lie with the authorities, not with controllers or pilots.” He confirmed that SINACTA is awaiting a meeting with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) to discuss these concerns.

The union leader detailed the operational impact of staffing shortages, noting that in Tampico, only four controllers cover two positions throughout the week without rest days. “This could lead to loss of focus or falling asleep on the job, which should never happen,” he said. He also stressed that low salaries worsen the problem, fueling worker dissatisfaction.

Covarrubias Aguilar warned that the aviation system risks collapse without intervention, stating: “The authorities are causing this collapse, and it is unnecessary for us to strike for it to happen.” He added that training new controllers is a long process—approximately four years, including two years of academic preparation and additional time to develop operational skills.

Currently, Mexico has 1,050 active controllers but needs around 500 more. Only 100 have been hired this year, despite government plans to open more airports under the National Development Plan promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Regarding the recent flooding at AICM, Covarrubias Aguilar told A21 that operations cannot simply stop due to weather conditions. Instead, “flights must be managed safely according to the pilot’s decision.”