AIFA Posts MX$182 Million Profit in 1Q25, Sustains Growth Streak

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) reported an operating profit of MX$182 million (US$10.5 million) in the first quarter of 2025, according to financial records obtained by El Financiero. This marks the fifth consecutive quarter of positive operating results for the airport located in Santa Lucia and operated by Mexico’s Ministry of Defense (SEDENA).

From January to March 2025, AIFA generated total revenues of MX$706 million, a 44% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The revenue growth was driven by higher passenger volumes, expanded commercial activity, and an increased number of domestic routes.

The airport served more than 1.6 million passengers in 1Q25, with most traffic concentrated on national routes while international services remained limited. Projections for the second half of 2025 anticipate further growth in passenger numbers, supported by the launch of new international routes, including those by low-cost carrier Viva.

Despite the operating profit, AIFA continued to receive federal subsidies in early 2025, which rose nearly 21% compared to the same period in 2024. In 2024, the airport posted a profit of MX$78 million in Q1, with revenues of MX$490 million and expenditures of MX$412 million. Federal support for that quarter totaled MX$364 million.

Since its opening, AIFA’s financial support from the federal government has remained consistent. During 2022 and 2023, the airport reported cumulative losses of MX$1.57 billion and received subsidies totaling MX$2.46 billion. For fiscal year 2024, the federal budget allocated MX$1.5 billion in subsidies to AIFA, matching the amount designated for Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

Infrastructure investments continue at AIFA, with the Ministry of Defense requesting an additional MX$2.86 billion in 2024 to build warehouses and expand cargo handling facilities. This development aligns with a shift in air freight operations, as AIFA surpassed AICM in cargo volume during 1Q24, handling 103,900 metric tons compared to AICM’s 57,200 metric tons. This shift followed a government mandate to redirect cargo operations from AICM to AIFA.

While profitability and cargo activity are increasing, challenges remain. Passenger traffic continues to fall short of early projections. In 2019, former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador forecasted annual demand of 20 million passengers; however, by the end of 2023, the airport had transported only 4.1 million passengers since beginning operations in March 2022.

Connectivity to the airport remains limited. There is no completed mass transit link between central Mexico City and the terminal. The federal government is working to complete a commuter rail line between Buenavista and AIFA, but the project has faced further delays. Additionally, the current exemption from toll fees on highways connecting the airport to the Valley of Mexico is expected to end in October 2025, potentially increasing travel costs for passengers.