AIFA Intl Traffic Down 19.6% Despite Financial Break-Even

The Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) recorded 23,443 international passengers in February, a 19.6% decline compared with the same period in 2025. This figure marks the 11th consecutive month of falling international traffic at the terminal, according to data released from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). Despite the downturn, airport management said the facility has reached financial self-sufficiency and is finalizing logistics ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The decline contrasts with growth across other hubs in the Metropolitan Airport System. The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) handled 1.3 million international passengers in February, an 8% increase and its strongest growth since March 2024. Meanwhile, the Toluca International Airport (AIT) transported 2,618 passengers, representing a 33% rise.

Operational Constraints and Market Positioning

AIFA’s international connectivity remains limited to five destinations—Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba and the Dominican Republic—constraining traffic growth. The situation was exacerbated after the US Department of Transportation canceled 13 planned routes to the United States involving Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva, some of which were scheduled to operate from AIFA.

"The prolonged decline is due to the lack of flights and frequencies, while overall traffic continues to grow,” said Jonathan Félix, aviation analyst, Verum.

Among Mexico’s 58 airports with international operations, AIFA ranked 17th in February. International traffic accounted for just 4.5% of total passenger volume, while domestic travel represented 95.5%. The airport handled 491,952 domestic passengers during the month, making it the sixth-busiest terminal in Mexico for internal routes.

Financial Performance and World Cup Strategy

Despite weaker international traffic, Isidoro Pastor,  Director, AIFA,  said the airport is now operating without government subsidies. Speaking at a press conference at the National Palace, he highlighted the terminal’s early transition to profitability, four years after its March 21 inauguration.

“Financial profitability was achieved early, with a positive balance of MX$447 million (US$25.14 million) in 2024, and healthy finances maintained through 2025,” Pastor said. “International experience shows airports typically cover operating costs after five or six years.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Pastor confirmed a formal agreement with FIFA designating AIFA as a reception hub for flights carrying national teams, sponsors and officials. Authorities estimate that the 13 matches scheduled across Mexico could attract an additional 5.5 million visitors.

Infrastructure and Government Response

AIFA’s growth strategy remains closely tied to the completion of the Buenavista–AIFA suburban rail link, a project intended to improve connectivity with Mexico City. The launch has been postponed  to allow for additional safety and validation testing.

President Claudia Sheinbaum also addressed criticism regarding the airport’s occupancy levels, stating that more than 160,000 passengers used the facility during the Easter holiday period. Responding to claims on social media that images of crowded terminals were fabricated, she described such assertions as “ridiculous.”

“It is the use of lies and slander as a form of communication—hatred taken to the extreme,” Sheinbaum said, adding that passenger volumes are expected to continue increasing as operations expand.