AIFA Encounters Major Land Connectivity Struggles
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AIFA Encounters Major Land Connectivity Struggles

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Emilio Aristegui By Emilio Aristegui | Junior Journalist and Industry Analyst - Wed, 10/13/2021 - 16:26

Officials from the Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) presented important construction progress as several aerospace companies validate the airport. However, experts worry that land connectivity is still a major issue for its success, as fares and costs are extremely high for the average passenger due to the long distance and lack of infrastructure between the airport and Mexico City.

Currently an Uber fare from Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City’s main avenue to Felipe Angeles International Airport costs around MX$800 (US$39). This ride fare is extremely high for the average transuit. Considering that an average flight from Mexico City to Cancun through Volaris, the airline that currently holds the majority of the domestic flights market, costs around MX$500 (US$24) to MX$900 (US$43). People will have to pay more from their land transportation to the airport than for the flight itself.

The Regional Vice-President of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the Americas, Peter Cerda stated that, “The first thing the government has to do is improve land connectivity to this airport.” According to A21, Cerda also said that for the AIFA to have international success, it is extremely necessary to improve the land routes that reach the airport. A21 also stated that Rafael Echevarne shares the same opinion, as the Head of the International Council of Airports for Latin America (ACI-LAC), states it is fundamental for the federal government to finish the land routes as soon as possible.

Alejandro de Leo Winkler, Former Deputy Director of Operation Performance Analysis for Grupo Aeromexico said according to A21 , “The government needs to complete the land connectivity works, such as the expansion of the suburban train that departs from Buenavista.” The main challenges facing the airport now seem to translate to the land constructions that will connect AIFA with the metropolitan area of Mexico City.

Great developments have been taking place at the AIFA and experts have shared their opinions: A recent press release by the Felipe Angeles International Airport in which Victor Gallegos, vice-president at AeroVision International believes that they observed a participation of extreme organization in the construction of the AIFA mainly regarding the progress and budget assigned. Gallegos believes that the airport’s connectivity will be very well-developed, considering the important progress in loading and MROs. However, he fails to mention the importance of the land connectivity between the airport and the city, which has been a major concern for passengers and airlines.

The importance of the land connectivity issue seems to be the major concern regarding the airport. Avianca’s Dario Barrera  stated through the official AIFA channel that, “The AIFA offers the best conditions for the operation of the airline industry.” He believes that the airport is extremely complete and that progress is going in the right direction, emphasizing that this airport was a necessity for Mexico and that construction of the airport is headed in the right direction. . However, the importance of road constructions  will begin to take center stage as the date of inauguration in 2022 is just around the corner.

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