IATA Sees LatAm Recovery as Mexico Targets 4% Growth

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported continued growth in Latin America’s aviation sector, with notable expansion in markets such as Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina. As part of its national development plan, Mexico will invest MX$134 billion in airport infrastructure from 2025 to 2030, funded by both federal authorities and the private sector. This investment is designed to support a projected 4% annual rise in passenger traffic nationwide.

“When comparing the first half of 2025 to 2024, we observe strong growth in Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina,” said Peter Cerdá, Regional Vice President at International Air Transport Association. “Growth is not only returning but remains steady and expanding.” IATA noted that passenger demand in the region rose 8.8% year-over-year in May 2025, while capacity increased 11%. However, the load factor decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 83.6%.

Mexico’s aviation sector is expected to grow between 3% and 5% annually, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). At a conference celebrating the 60th anniversary of Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA), AFAC Director General Miguel Vallín cited consistent passenger demand and industry forecasts as the basis for this outlook.

Together, Aeroméxico, Viva, and Volaris carried 41.3 million passengers in the first half of 2025,  a 5.08% increase over the same period in 2024, according to official airline traffic data.

The MX$134 billion billion infrastructure investment over the next six years will support an expected addition of approximately 32 million travelers nationwide by 2030. The funding will finance modernization and expansion projects at 62 airports, enhancing connectivity across Mexico.

Public investment will total MX$22.75 billion during this period, with MX$8.49 billion allocated for 2025, managed by the Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) and Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA). Private airport groups will invest MX$102.59 billion over the same timeframe, including MX$20.94 billion in 2025.

Key airports scheduled for upgrades include Mexico City (AICM), Puerto Escondido, Tepic, Cancun, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Monterrey. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) expects the program to generate more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs linked to airport improvements and terminal expansions.