AIFA on Track for 8 Million Passengers in 2025, Says Director

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is projecting a significant increase in passenger traffic for 2025, aiming to reach up to 8 million travelers by year-end, according to its general director, General Isidoro Pastor Román. As of the first half of 2025, the airport registered 3.5 million passengers.

Pastor Román, said the projection aligns with figures from the airport’s Master Development Plan (PMD), which estimates 7.3 million passengers for the full year. “We expect to exceed that goal,” he stated.

Despite the arrival of new aircraft for the state-run airline Mexicana, Pastor Román clarified that these additions will not impact this year’s passenger figures. “The increase in passengers and routes will begin to be seen in 2026,” he said. Mexicana received its first Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on July 1. A second is scheduled for delivery in August, with three more expected by the end of the year.

Mexicana’s first two aircraft are pending certification from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). The first is expected to begin operations in August and the second in November. The remaining three will enter service in 2026. That year, the airline is also due to receive seven more aircraft from Embraer, followed by eight in 2027, completing a planned fleet of 20.

On international connectivity, Pastor Román confirmed the addition of six new routes from Viva Aerobus and the resumption of service by Copa Airlines. “By the end of the year, AIFA will have 15 international routes,” he said. He added that potential charter flights from China, Germany, Florida, and Philadelphia are under discussion, although no formal requests have been submitted. He anticipates that international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, could drive further demand.

Regarding infrastructure, Pastor Román noted that the suburban train line connecting Mexico City’s Buenavista station to AIFA is expected to begin operations in December. “It could be a little earlier,” he added, referencing a recent site visit by the president. The project is 90% complete, although construction between Tultepec and Tultitlan was delayed due to social conflicts and community objections. Work on that segment has since resumed.

The rail connection is expected to improve airport accessibility and support projected growth in 2026, when AIFA anticipates serving approximately 11 million passengers.