Mexico Airport Traffic Mixed in Early 2026

Mexico’s main airport operators reported mixed passenger traffic results in early 2026, reflecting uneven recovery across domestic and international segments. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste reported a 0.1% decline in passenger traffic in 1Q26. In contrast, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico recorded an 8.9% year-over-year drop in March traffic, while Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte posted a 2.8% increase in March passenger traffic.

ASUR posted a 0.1% decline in passenger traffic during the first quarter, reaching 10,937,975 passengers compared to 10,945,137 in the same period of 2025. The result combined a 2.4% increase in domestic traffic with a 1.8% decline in international passengers, highlighting diverging demand trends.

March performance reinforced this pattern, with ASUR reporting a 2.4% year-over-year decline to 3,809,310 passengers, according to filings with the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores. Adolfo Castro Rivas said performance was uneven across the network, with Cancun International Airport continuing to account for the largest share of traffic despite a 1.9% decline in passenger volume during the quarter.

According to Grupo Financiero Monex, ASUR’s March traffic performance was “mixed,” as “recovery continues to be slow” in Cancun and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The firm added that Colombian operations showed “growing strength,” partially offsetting declines in other regions. Monex expects “organic growth, driven by the stabilization of international traffic and operational improvements in Cancun,” for the remainder of 2026.

GAP Faces Pressure from International Segment Declines

GAP reported an 8.9% year-over-year decline in passenger traffic in March 2026, driven by a 3.8% drop in domestic traffic and a 14.6% contraction in international passengers. The company attributed part of the decline to operational disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, which continued to affect traffic flows during the period.

At the airport level, GAP’s main hubs recorded declines across both segments. Domestic traffic fell 2.4% in Guadalajara, 5.3% in Tijuana, 6.8% in Puerto Vallarta and 6.4% in Los Cabos. International traffic also declined, with Tijuana down 15.9% and Puerto Vallarta falling 32.1%, underscoring continued pressure on tourism-driven routes and cross-border travel.

Over the last 12 months, GAP’s total passenger traffic showed marginal growth of 0.1%, while first-quarter performance reflected a 5.5% decline. Monex analysts expect challenges to persist in international routes, particularly in Tijuana, while monitoring recovery linked to capacity adjustments and demand conditions.

OMA growth Driven by Domestic Demand, Connectivity

OMA reported a 2.8% year-over-year increase in passenger traffic in March, reaching 2,401,009 passengers across its 13 airports. Domestic traffic rose 3.9% to 2,038,304 passengers, while international traffic declined 2.8% to 362,705. For the first quarter, total traffic increased 4.7% to 6,727,145 passengers, reflecting continued expansion in overall demand.

OMA noted that 99.3% of passengers traveled on commercial flights, with the remaining 0.7% corresponding to general aviation. During the month, seven new routes were launched from Monterrey, operated by airlines including Viva and Volaris, connecting destinations such as Tampico, San Luis Potosi and Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport.

Operational performance was led by Monterrey and Chihuahua, which together accounted for more than 60% of domestic traffic. Monterrey recorded a 9.1% increase in domestic passengers, while Chihuahua grew 5.2%. However, Monterrey’s international segment declined 4.8%, underscoring uneven recovery between market segments.

Investment Plans and Outlook for 2026

Looking ahead, expectations for 2026 remain mixed across the sector. Domestic traffic growth is expected to continue, supported by economic activity and route expansion, while international segments may face ongoing volatility. Demand linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to provide additional support to passenger volumes.

Airport operators are also advancing infrastructure investments to prepare for future demand. GAP has invested more than MX$32 billion between 2020 and 2024 as part of a broader MX$52 billion plan through 2029, while OMA is allocating MX$8 billion to expand Monterrey International Airport between 2026 and 2030.