AIFA Leads Cargo Operations in Early 2024

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) has claimed the top spot in cargo operations during the first two months of the year, with a total of 193,521.8 tons of goods transported, marking a 5.2% increase compared to the same period last year. According to the "Operational Statistics of Airports, February 2024" report by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), AIFA moved 65,834.9 tons of cargo in February alone.

This surge in cargo operations comes amidst the airport's ongoing struggle to attract passengers due to challenges such as limited connectivity, a restricted range of destinations and airlines, and its remote location. Despite these hurdles, AIFA has seen a notable uptick in cargo activity, highlighting its potential in this sector.

The dominance of AIFA in cargo operations is further underscored by contrasting figures from other airports. The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) reported a 60.9% decrease in cargo operations, dropping from 95,764.4 tons in the first two months of 2023 to 37,433.0 tons in the same period this year.

Following AIFA, the Guadalajara International Airport secured the third position with 26,176.8 tons of cargo, witnessing a slight decline of 2.8% compared to the previous year. The Queretaro International Airport and the Monterrey International Airport experienced marginal decreases of 1.4% and 5.7% respectively. In contrast, the Tijuana International Airport saw a 15.0% increase in cargo movements.

Meanwhile, AIFA celebrated its second anniversary with a total of 181,864 tons of cargo transported in 2023. In December alone, AIFA handled 374,996 tons of cargo, marking a 123% increase compared to AICM, which saw a 22.5% reduction in international cargo operations. 

VivaAerobus, in a bid to enhance national and international air connectivity, recently launched operations on seven new routes from AIFA. These routes include destinations such as Chetumal, Culiacan, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Tuxtla Gutierrez, Villahermosa, and Bogota, Colombia. According to Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO, VivaAerobus, AIFA has the potential to become the primary transportation hub in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.