Caribbean Flights Restored; AICM Hits 35% Progress: Aeroweek

This week in aerospace news: the United States lifts temporary airspace restrictions over the Caribbean following a brief security-related suspension. In Mexico, Grupo Aeroportuario Marina (GAM) reported 35% progress on the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) renovation, reopening key passenger areas to improve mobility and capacity, while Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) launched a tender for a consultancy to boost routes, airline participation, and cargo demand. Commercially, Alaska Airlines placed its largest-ever order with Boeing for 105 737-10s and five 787s, bringing its total Boeing backlog to 245 aircraft. American Airlines said it will keep elite frequent-flyer spending requirements unchanged for a third year, and Latin American airlines and airports led 2025 on-time performance rankings, with Aeroméxico named the world’s most punctual airline.

More news below:

Latin American Airlines, Airports Lead 2025 On-Time Rankings

Latin American airlines and airports led global and regional on-time performance rankings in 2025, according to the 17th annual Cirium On-Time Performance Review, released this week. The report places Aeroméxico as the most punctual global airline and highlights multiple airports in Chile, Panama, and Ecuador as top performers by size category, reinforcing the region’s operational standing in commercial aviation.

US Lifts Temporary Airspace Restrictions over the Caribbean

The United States has lifted temporary airspace restrictions over parts of the Caribbean, restoring normal flight operations after a brief suspension tied to security assessments, according to the US Department of Transportation. The decision, announced Jan. 4 by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, directly affects commercial airlines, airports, and passengers across the region.

AICM Renovation Reaches 35% Completion, as GAM Reopens Key Areas

GAM has reopened multiple passenger areas at AICM as part of a comprehensive renovation program launched in 2025. The operator says the reopened spaces improve mobility and strengthen the airport’s capacity to handle the post-holiday return surge. 

AIFA Seeks to Boost Routes, Airlines, and Demand

Mexico’s AIFA has launched a public tender to hire a specialized consultancy to design a market strategy aimed at increasing passenger traffic, airline participation, and cargo operations, according to bidding documents published on the federal procurement platform Compras MX. The main goals include identifying viable routes, negotiating with airlines, and addressing operational constraints nearly four years after the airport opened.

Alaska Airlines orders 110 aircraft from Boeing

Alaska Airlines is ordering 105 new 737-10 and five new 787 aircraft, exercising all previous 787 options held with Boeing, the companies said on Jan. 7. This fleet order, which Alaska calls its largest in the airline's history, brings the total order book with Boeing to 245 aircraft.

American Airlines keeps frequent flyer status requirements the same, following rivals

American Airlines said Jan. 6 that it will keep the spending requirements to earn elite frequent flyer status in 2027 steady for a third consecutive year, as it courts higher-spending travelers and tries to catch up to industry profit leaders Delta Air Lines and United Airlines