IATA Urges Mexico to Strengthen Aviation Sector for 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged the Mexican government to advance a national aviation policy, strengthen the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), and review airport charges, identifying these as critical challenges for the sector in 2026. Cintya Martínez Maldonado, IATA country manager in Mexico, emphasized that improvements in regulation, institutional capacity, and airport tariffs will be essential to sustain growth and meet international standards.

According to IATA, Mexico’s domestic air market grew 3.2% year over year between January and October 2025, standing 18.8% above 2019 levels. International passenger traffic increased 4% from the prior year and 12.2% versus 2019, while domestic air cargo rose 1.9% year over year. In 2024, the tourism and transport value chain, including aviation, contributed US$88.3 billion to the economy—equivalent to 1.8% of GDP—and supported more than 1 million jobs.

Martínez Maldonado said IATA has been working with Tania Carro Toledo, Undersecretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, on the initial phase of Mexico’s aviation policy, focusing on regulatory frameworks. The association has submitted recommendations for areas requiring modernization or adjustment, which authorities will review before progressing to subsequent stages.

The national aviation policy, expected to be presented in 2026, will be structured around six pillars, including safety, governance, and human capital, according to Martínez Maldonado. Infrastructure Secretary Jesús Esteva Medina has highlighted the policy’s importance for guiding the sector’s development and aligning it with global standards.

IATA is also advocating for the strengthening of SENEAM, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), and AFAC. On AFAC, Martínez Maldonado noted: “It is a regulator that must be well-resourced and staffed with trained personnel. AFAC has critical responsibilities, including maintaining Category 1 status with the US FAA, and permanent, adequate funding in 2026 would be highly beneficial.”

IATA has engaged with AFAC Director General Emilio Avendaño García, who has expressed a vision for the agency to act as a facilitator rather than a punitive body. Martínez Maldonado highlighted that limited resources currently constrain training, licensing, accident investigations, and airport audits.

She also called for a review of the passenger airport use fee at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), noting that it continues to fund debt from the canceled Texcoco airport project, which is inconsistent with ICAO guidance that fees should cover only services provided. The 2019 cancellation and subsequent bond restructuring require AICM to service the debt through 2047, limiting funds for infrastructure investment. Martínez Maldonado recommended a comprehensive 20- to 25-year development plan, designed in consultation with the industry, to address the airport’s structural and operational challenges.