Latin America Air Travel to Hit 789 Million Passengers by 2025

The Airports Council International for Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) projects that the region will close 2025 with 789 million air passengers, a 4% increase over 2024. The  forecast, announced at ACI-LAC’s Annual Assembly and Conference in Trinidad and Tobago, identifies Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil as the main growth drivers.

Colombia is expected to see 5.6% growth, Mexico 4.5%, and Brazil 2.1%, with regional traffic projected to reach 821 million passengers in 2026. ACI-LAC attributes the expansion largely to market liberalization measures and regulatory reforms that promote open access to air transport.

“Liberalization and deregulation of the aviation sector are essential to promote sustainable and competitive growth in aviation across Latin America and the Caribbean.” He added, “Market openness and unrestricted access have proven successful globally, improving efficiency, connectivity, and innovation, and generating direct benefits for passengers, airlines, and airports,” said Rafael Echevarne, director general, ACI-LAC.

ACI-LAC emphasized that airports must have adequate resources to maintain and expand infrastructure and services. Investment, operational safety, and passenger experience remain priorities amid growing demand for efficiency and sustainability.

On airport fees, Echevarne noted, “Airports have the right to charge for the use of facilities and services. These fees reflect actual operating and maintenance costs and represent only a small portion of airlines’ total expenses. They are regulated by competent authorities, ensuring transparency and balance with airlines and passengers.”

Mexico’s air travel market recorded strong growth in 2025. During the first half of the year, 61.18 million passengers flew on domestic and international routes, a 2.5% increase over the same period in 2024, according to Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodríguez Zamora. Airlines driving this growth included VivaAerobus, Volaris, and Aeroméxico.

Data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) shows that from January to August 2025, Mexico transported 82.6 million passengers, confirming the 2.5% annual growth rate. The increase is linked to expanded connectivity, improved airport infrastructure, and ongoing market liberalization, with authorities continuing to monitor airport fees and operations to balance investment and passenger costs.