Mexicana Adds Four Routes, Expands to 19 Destinations

Mexicana de Aviación will launch four new domestic routes in July following the arrival of its seventh Embraer aircraft, expanding its network to 19 destinations as the state-owned carrier continues to increase capacity at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The airline's CEO, Gen. Leobardo Ávila Bojórquez, said the expansion supports the company's strategy to strengthen domestic connectivity while continuing the certification efforts required to enter the U.S. market.

Speaking during the arrival ceremony of the airline's second Embraer E190-E2 at AIFA, Ávila confirmed that flights to Tuxtla Gutiérrez will begin on July 6, followed by Chihuahua on July 13, Hermosillo on July 20, and Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) on July 27.

The new E190-E2, registered as XA-MXG, arrived from Embraer's manufacturing facility in Brazil and has a capacity of 108 passengers. Before entering commercial service, the aircraft will complete the technical and regulatory certification procedures required by Mexico's aviation authority. Ávila said the aircraft is expected to join operations within approximately 30 days, bringing Mexicana's Embraer fleet to seven aircraft.

The Guanajuato service restores Mexicana's presence in the Bajío region and will operate six days per week, from Sunday through Friday, connecting Guanajuato International Airport (BJX) with AIFA. The new route is intended to improve air connectivity between the Bajío industrial corridor and the Mexico City metropolitan area.

The July network expansion follows the launch of Mexicana's AIFA–Acapulco route on June 4. That service operates three weekly flights using Embraer E195-E2 aircraft configured with 135 seats. According to the airline, the inaugural flight achieved a 95% load factor.

Ávila said the addition of the seventh aircraft has strengthened the airline's operational capabilities. Compared with last year, the fleet has expanded by 40%, while seat capacity has increased by 33%. 

Since resuming operations, Mexicana has transported more than 1.07 million passengers. The airline expects to carry more than 600,000 additional passengers during 2026, reflecting continued growth in domestic demand and network expansion.

Fleet growth will continue throughout the remainder of the year. According to Ávila, Mexicana expects to receive its eighth aircraft in July, its ninth in August, its tenth in September, its eleventh in November, and its twelfth in December.

The carrier plans to expand its fleet to 20 Embraer aircraft during the first quarter of next year, consisting of 10 E195-E2s and 10 E190-E2s. The first new Embraer aircraft entered the fleet on July 1, 2025. Since then, the airline has incorporated five E195-E2 aircraft and two E190-E2 aircraft.

While domestic operations continue to expand, Mexicana's international strategy remains subject to regulatory approvals in the United States. Ávila said the US market remains one of the airline's strongest sources of demand and confirmed that discussions continue with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and other authorities regarding authorization to operate charter services.

"We continue working with them. We understand that a certification process has its own timelines. Under the current circumstances, we will not be able to offer this service, but we see it as a future opportunity while complying with all the regulations required by US authorities so that we can operate safely in that country," Ávila said.

Mexicana had planned to operate charter flights between Mexico and the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, connecting Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey with Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York. The airline later confirmed those operations would not proceed because the certification process required by US authorities could not be completed before the tournament.

Ávila rejected suggestions that the delay resulted from aviation measures imposed by the United States on Mexico in 2025.

"No, they did not have any impact. The Department of Transportation is clear regarding the international regulations we must comply with, particularly those established by the Federal Aviation Administration. As part of our commitment, Mexicana must complete that process," he said.

Despite the delay in entering the US charter market, the airline is increasing domestic capacity to support passenger demand generated by the FIFA World Cup.

"We strengthened our network in the host cities. We now have two daily flights to Guadalajara and two daily flights to Monterrey. We are working to meet the demand that will begin on June 11," Ávila said.

Mexicana currently operates approximately 637 monthly flights and plans to maintain that schedule throughout the tournament period. Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are expected to generate the highest domestic passenger volumes associated with the event.

The airline is also evaluating future expansion opportunities beyond North America. Ávila said Mexicana is analyzing markets in South America and the Caribbean but emphasized that the company's immediate priority remains strengthening domestic connectivity. "Our primary focus is connecting the country first, and then we will consider other international markets," Ávila said.