FDAN Claims AIFA Lacks Infrastructure to Handle Cargo Operations

The Mexican Front for Defense of National Aviation (FDAN) warned that the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and the Toluca International Airport (TLC) lack the necessary infrastructure to attend the forecasted demand at Mexico City International Airport (AICM). Experts from the FDAN argue that the relocation requires further analysis. 

AICM is Mexico’s main cargo hub, transporting hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo every year. In the first 11 months of 2022, a total of 518,813 tons of cargo had been handled at AIFA, according to the Federal Agency of Civil Aviation (AFAC). This number represents 49.5% of the cargo handled by Mexican airports during that period. AICM was followed by the airport of Guadalajara with 162,025 tons, Monterrey with 71,690 tons and Queretaro with 66,154 tons. 

The large volumes of cargo handled at AICM makes moving operations to another airport a complex task. FDAN member Jesús Navarro Parada, President, College of Mexican Aeronautical Engineers (CIMA), explained to A21 that relocating cargo operations involves a difficult procedure. Cargo operations require specific infrastructure and advanced equipment, such as refrigerated warehouses to maintain fruits and medicines, he adds. The management of many perishable products and live animals, among other things, requires a well-developed plan. 

The FDAN’s reaction is derived from a leaked document that suggests the Mexican government may close cargo operations at AICM and relocate to AIFA. The document reads, “for the operations of concessionaires and permit holders that provide national and international scheduled and non-scheduled air transportation services to the public, exclusively for cargo. Concessionaires and permit holders that provide combined passenger and cargo services are exempted, provided cargo is transported in the same aircraft as passengers,” as reported by MBN. 

Concessionaires and permit holders that provide air transportation services would have a maximum of 90 business days from the entry into force of this decree to relocate out of AICM. Passenger flights, which also transport cargo in the hold, will be able to continue offering this service.