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.

In 2025, the TUA for domestic flights stood at US$29.70. For 2026, the fee will be calculated in pesos, with the domestic TUA set at MX$537.228 (US$29.80) per passenger, according to figures approved in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). For international flights, the TUA will be MX$1,020.009 (US$56.70) per passenger.

The TUA is a mandatory charge paid by all airline passengers in Mexico for the use of airport infrastructure and services. These include terminals, security screening, waiting areas, restrooms, and other passenger facilities. The fee is embedded in the final ticket price at the time of purchase and varies by airport and type of flight.

AICM says that the peso-denominated amounts may fluctuate in subsequent months due to exchange rate movements. The airport applies the daily reference exchange rate published by the Bank of Mexico (Banxico), meaning passengers may see variations in the final cost depending on when tickets are issued.

For airlines, the higher TUA adds to the total cost structure of operating at Mexico’s busiest airport, which handles a significant share of the country’s domestic and international passenger traffic. For travelers, the increase raises the overall price of flying from AICM at a time when airlines are already adjusting fares in response to fuel costs, demand patterns, and capacity constraints.

While the airport did not provide projections on total revenue generated by the higher fee, the TUA represents a key source of income for airport operations and maintenance. The charge is standard across Mexico’s airport system and is subject to government oversight, particularly for domestic flights, where SHCP participates in approving adjustments.

AICM is undergoing significant renovations in preparation for the World Cup 2026. These are expected to be finalized between late April and early May 2025, reports MBN. The project, which reached 20% progress as of December, aims to make functional upgrades across operational areas. Work includes replacing baggage-claim conveyor belts, rehabilitating waiting areas, improving connection corridors, and making adjustments in high-traffic zones. The modernization aims to support the expected rise in international arrivals, including national teams and visitors entering Mexico.

Juan Padilla, Administrator, AICM, says that the project’s timeline was designed to avoid operational disruptions during peak travel periods. He adds that the December holiday season put pressure on passenger flow, but says that the airport was prepared to handle demand despite construction activities.