Mexico's Aviation Frontier: Forging Connectivity for Growth

Mexico’s aviation and airport system is undergoing a critical transformation to meet rising passenger demand, strengthen connectivity, and enhance competitiveness in logistics and tourism.

Between January and August 2025, more than 128 million passengers traveled through Mexican airports, putting the country on track to surpass the 186.6 million record set in 2023, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). “President Sheinbaum aims to position Mexico among the world’s Top 5 tourism destinations, but this can only be achieved through the right infrastructure investments,” said Cintya Martínez, Country Manager, IATA, at the Mexico Business Summit.

However, 63.6% of passenger traffic remains concentrated in five airports—Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Tijuana—underscoring the need for expanded infrastructure. Cargo operations show a similar pattern, with “90% of Mexico’s air freight moving through Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey,” Martínez added. Addressing tariff challenges and trade headwinds, Ricardo Campos, Director General, Grupo OMA, noted, “Cargo will continue to grow rapidly thanks to nearshoring, regardless of what happens in the United States.”

Amid congestion at key hubs such as Mexico City International Airport (AICM), the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) implemented new regulations for allocating takeoff and landing slots at saturated airports, effective Oct. 15, 2025. Air traffic is also being redirected from AICM to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). “AIFA currently has capacity for 20 million passengers and aims to double that to 40 million,” said Lieut. Colonel Héctor Reyes, Director of Strategic Planning, AIFA.

These measures seek to optimize airspace, improve safety, and prepare for major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could bring an additional five million visitors, according to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada. Ricardo Dueñas, Director General, Grupo OMA, emphasized that “infrastructure investments are long-term decisions—airport groups plan for the next decade, not year to year.” Ongoing projects include terminal expansions, runway rehabilitation, and improved ground connectivity to accommodate growing demand.

Airport modernization investment has reached record levels, with MX$134 billion allocated to upgrade 62 airports between 2025 and 2030, according to the federal government. The program aims to handle an additional 32 million passengers over five years and create more than 200,000 jobs. Key projects include Guadalajara’s second runway—which will boost capacity by 70%—and Monterrey Airport’s expansion to serve 18 million passengers annually through an MX$8 billion investment. AICM is also receiving MX$8.5 billion in upgrades to sustain operations near saturation levels.

Technology has become a strategic pillar for competitiveness and passenger experience. “Digitization is the only way to optimize existing infrastructure without increasing costs for the end user,” said Dueñas. Major airports are deploying digital systems, biometric security, self-check-in, automated baggage handling, and intelligent signage. “AI has now become a necessity, but its implementation requires careful risk analysis,” added Reyes. According to SITA’s Air Transport IT Insights 2024 report, 74% of airlines and 72% of airports expect their IT spending to rise over the next two years.

“OEMs are making significant investments to make aircraft more sustainable. Modern aircraft are far more energy efficient than they were 10 or 20 years ago,” said Carlos Campillo, Partner, Sierra Latam. In 2024, total industry investment in technology reached approximately US$37 billion for airlines and nearly US$9 billion for airports.