Mexico Aviation Gears Up for World Cup Amid Global Rebound

This week in aerospace news, Mexico is preparing for higher air traffic as airport operators and airlines plan for increased demand linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to boost tourism and commercial activity across host cities. Global air travel demand continued its upward trend in November 2025, with IATA reporting 5.7% year-over-year growth and record load factors despite ongoing capacity constraints.

IATA also emphasized that Latin America needs clearer assessments and supportive public policies to unlock its sustainable aviation fuel production potential. In spaceflight developments, a SpaceX capsule safely returned four astronauts to Earth after a medical issue forced an early end to their International Space Station mission. Meanwhile, Mexico City International Airport announced higher passenger charges for 2026, raising the cost of both domestic and international departures from the country’s main hub.

More news below:

Latin America Needs Incentives to Unlock SAF Potential: IATA

Latin America must develop a clearer understanding of its potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and implement public policies that enable industrial development, according to Daniel Chereau, Head Fuel, International Air Transport Association (IATA), in an interview with A21.

World Cup 2026 to Drive Surge in Mexico Air Traffic: Monex

Mexico’s private airport groups and domestic airlines are preparing for a demand surge tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Monex said the tournament could act as a “key catalyst” for airport operators and carriers, supported by traffic projections, tourism trends and expanded commercial opportunities across host cities.

Global Air Passenger Demand Rises 5.7% in November 2025: IATA

Global air passenger demand grew 5.7% year over year in November 2025, reflecting continued recovery and sustained travel activity despite capacity constraints, according to data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Total traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), outpaced capacity growth of 5.4%, while the global load factor reached 83.7%, a record for November and 0.3 percentage points higher than a year earlier.

Mexico City International Airport Raises Passenger Fees

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) will increase its airport passenger charge, known as the Tarifa de Uso Aeroportuario (TUA), raising the total cost of air travel for passengers departing from the country’s main hub in 2026. The updated tariffs were published on AICM’s official website and apply to both domestic and international flights.

SpaceX capsule with four astronauts, one ailing, splashes down safely off California

Four astronauts returned safely to Earth early on Thursday after an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one of them forced an end to their International Space Station mission a few weeks early.