AIFA Tensions Rise; Sheinbaum Claims Airport Runs Smoothly

Internal tensions at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) have raised concerns about the military-led management of strategic infrastructure. Despite reports detailing disorganization and poor coordination among military leadership, President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed claims of dysfunction, asserting that the airport is “functioning very well.”

“There are no citizen complaints about AIFA. These are normal adjustments; nothing is out of the ordinary,” Sheinbaum stated during a press conference, responding to questions about reported internal issues.

When asked whether the challenges warrant reconsidering military oversight in airport operations, Sheinbaum reiterated, “Adjustments can happen whether there are civilian or military authorities. It is functioning very well. We have no complaints.”

However, a confidential internal document dated February 2025 and obtained by Grupo Reforma painted a different picture. The memo, signed by Brigadier General Isidoro Pastor, AIFA’s Director, highlighted persistent “protagonism” and a lack of coordination among high-ranking military personnel.

“Despite repeated directives from this General Directorate to foster cohesion among the areas comprising this majority state-owned enterprise, there is persistent evidence of poor communication and insufficient coordination at the executive level to handle various events,” Pastor wrote. He urged leaders to set aside personal agendas, noting, “This is a respectful reminder that protagonism must be set aside.”

Civilian and military employees interviewed by Grupo Reforma attributed the issues to uncoordinated directives issued by different military divisions. This fragmented approach has reportedly created bottlenecks in decision-making, disrupting airport operations.

To date, the government has not announced plans to alter AIFA’s administrative structure. President Sheinbaum maintains her stance: “It is functioning very well.”