Mexico Invests US$7 Billion in Expansion of 36 Airports

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has allocated MX$121.54 billion (approximately US$7 billion) to expand and modernize 36 airports across the country, including major upgrades at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), according to the first State of the Nation addportress delivered on Sep. 1.

From Oct. 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, modernization efforts were carried out at the airports of Loreto, Colima, and Tepic, with new expansion works initiated in Ciudad Obregon and Sonora. These included runway extensions and upgrades to public parking infrastructure.

“In 2024, the AICM was the third most punctual airport worldwide, and in the first half of 2025 it achieved an average punctuality rate of 88%,” Sheinbaum stated. She also reported a 5% increase in cargo volume at the AICM, reaching 157,648.7 metric tons during the same period. A temporary increase in hourly operations at the AICM was authorized in May 2025, rising from 43 to 44.

As part of its ongoing remodeling project ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which part of it will take place in Mexico City, the AICM inaugurated a new section of Terminal 1. The upgrades, 10% of the overall renovation plan, were completed without disrupting operations and required an investment of MX$55.24 million, funded through the airport’s self-generated revenue. The work covered international departure gates 29 to 36, the adjoining waiting area, corridors separating arrival and departure flows, and the vestibule for bus transport to remote stands. 

The renovations span 6,400 m2 and include granite flooring, white and wood baffle ceilings, tactile floor guides for visually impaired passengers, LED lighting, and roof waterproofing. Two existing restroom modules were renovated, and one additional facility was constructed. Other improvements included façade cleaning, replacing HVAC systems, and upgrading electrical, plumbing, and data infrastructure. The terminal also received new benches, digital signage, flight information displays, and decorative planters.

The federal government plans to invest MX$134 billion between 2025 and 2030 to modernize and expand 62 airports across Mexico, according to an announcement made by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) on July 5. 

The objective is to respond to growing demand in air travel and to strengthen national connectivity. SICT estimates the investment will generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs and accommodate a projected 32 million additional passengers by 2030. In 2025 alone, passenger traffic has already increased by 8%. The investment will be financed through a combination of public, private, and mixed funding sources. 

From October 2024 through June 2025, authorities conducted 395 technical-administrative audits, issued 1,455 airworthiness certificates, and carried out 1,334 ramp inspections. The administration also proposed reforms to the Civil Aviation Law and the Airports Law.

Further rail infrastructure projects linked to aviation hubs include the Lechería–Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) rail link, scheduled for completion in December 2025. Construction has also started on the Mexico City–Pachuca and Mexico City–Queretaro lines, both managed by the Felipe Ángeles Engineer Corps.

“When there is no corruption, there is enough for more,” Sheinbaum said during her speech.