Mexico City Airport Unveils Contest for Terminals 1, 2 Revamp

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has launched an architectural and interior design contest aimed at remodeling Terminals 1 and 2. This initiative seeks to align the airport's visual identity with ongoing and future infrastructure improvements.

"This renovation is not just about appearances but about responding to a strategic need to reflect the airport’s evolution in meeting user expectations," AICM emphasized in the contest announcement.

The competition invites participation from a diverse range of professionals and students in fields such as architecture, interior design, and urban planning. The project scope includes significant areas of the airport, such as facades, national and international waiting areas, baggage claim zones, and migration areas, all aimed at creating a cohesive and user-friendly environment.

The registration window for interested participants is open from Oct. 21 - 27, 2024. The deadline for submitting proposals is Nov. 15, with winners announced on Nov. 23. Each winning proposal will receive a prize of US$5,028 (MX$100,000), and winners must cede their design rights to the airport’s administration, currently managed by the Mexican Navy (SEMAR). Additionally, the names of the contest winners will be engraved on a plaque to be installed in Terminal 1’s exhibition hall.

Alongside the architectural overhaul, AICM is also focused on renewing its corporate image, aiming to integrate the airport’s structural improvements with a fresh design. The contest is divided into 11 categories, covering areas such as facades, waiting rooms, and migration corridors. The goal is to modernize these spaces with elements that incorporate natural materials, greenery, and water features while maintaining the architectural identity of the airport. 

The airport has outlined that this project is a key priority within the first 90 days of the current administration. According to AICM's leadership, the planning phase is expected to begin in 2024, with completion targeted for the first quarter of 2026. 

The airport, which served over 34 million passengers as of September 2024, faces ongoing challenges in meeting growing demands.