Mexico Air Traffic Incidents Rise 31%, Air Safety Concerns Grow

Mexico recorded 137 air traffic incidents between January and July 2025, marking a 31% increase from the same period last year, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). This represents the second-highest level of such events in the past five years. During the same period, the number of air accidents rose 19% year-over-year, AFAC data shows.

Incidents have been linked to multiple operational and structural deficiencies, including insufficient training, errors in aircraft separation, and communication failures.

“The figures are provided by the Directorate for Analysis of Aviation Accidents and Incidents (DAAIA), under the Undersecretary of Transport, and had not been published during the previous two months due to updates in information and departmental transition,” the agency noted.

A recent example occurred at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) when the control tower experienced a frequency collapse at 19:55 hours, disrupting communication with aircraft. Some flights, including Aeroméxico flight 551, were forced to remain in holding patterns. Backup systems temporarily maintained airspace services while primary equipment was restored, with priority given to in-flight and incoming aircraft, according to SENEAM.

Air traffic controllers and operational personnel have identified systemic safety issues, noting risks from “actions and decisions outside standard procedures, approved by current senior management and carried over from previous administrations, placing this decentralized agency at potential imminent risk requiring immediate remedial measures.”

Infrastructure challenges exacerbate these risks. At AICM, the Peñón radar operates with only two of eight required power units, limiting coverage, signal reliability, and trajectory accuracy. Surface radar for taxiway and platform management has been out of service for over a year. Despite repeated issues, senior management has not submitted reports on failures or evidence of component repair or replacement.

The redesign of air traffic routes for Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) has also faced challenges. According to a report, “None of the three planned objectives—fuel savings, safer routes, and reduced flight path lengths—were met. Routes were longer, at lower altitudes, causing noise disturbances and higher fuel consumption. Required testing was incomplete, and maintenance of conventional navigation equipment was neglected.”

Mexico averages 47 air accidents and 195 incidents annually. Air traffic-related events are cited by controllers and authorities as a primary threat to aviation safety. A 2023 report documented 1,594 ‘frustrated operations’ at AICM, with 784 cases involving potential conflicts between aircraft on the ground and those taking off or landing.