Mexico’s Aviation Sector Struggles With Safety, Infrastructure

Mexico’s civil aviation sector continues to face persistent challenges in accident investigation, air traffic control, and infrastructure, according to government reports and industry experts. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) has formally acknowledged deficiencies in accident investigations and gaps in air traffic management, highlighting structural and operational issues affecting the country’s aviation safety framework.

In its 2025–2030 sectoral plan, SICT notes that the current system for investigating aviation accidents is inefficient and lacks proper inter-institutional coordination. “While there remain opportunities for improvement in inter-institutional coordination, as well as legal gaps in the powers of the authority responsible for investigating aviation accidents in Mexico, there is a recognized need to strengthen the regulatory framework to ensure timely, effective, and coordinated intervention in search and rescue operations for aircraft in danger or involved in accidents,” the government stated.

Official data shows Mexico averages 47 aviation accidents per year and 195 incidents. However, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has not published updated statistics since May 2025. The last report indicated a 53% increase in incidents during the first four months of the year.

The government also flagged deficiencies in personnel. Current staff supervising operations and conducting aircraft inspections are insufficient and lack proper training. “To determine causes, there are limitations in adequate infrastructure, as well as insufficient human, technical, and legal resources to conduct investigations promptly. Currently, investigations take between 12 and 15 months,” SICT explained.

Technological and infrastructural shortcomings also compromise air traffic management. “It is urgent to address this. More controllers need to be hired and familiarized with the work. We still have a deficit of 500 controllers. Some have been hired, but others retired,” says José Covarrubias, Secretary General, National Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SINACTA) in an interview with El Financiero.

Currently, 1,050 controllers operate nationwide, leaving an estimated shortfall of 500 to meet demand. In locations like Tampico, Tamaulipas, where eight to ten controllers are needed, only four are on duty, forcing extended shifts and increasing operational fatigue. Covarrubias also cited budget cuts of up to 40% between 2023 and 2024, calling for additional financial and human resources, as well as a long-overdue salary increase for controllers.