Mexico’s Top 3 Airlines Serve 44.5 Million Passengers in 1H25

This week in aerospace: Mexico’s top three airlines—Aeroméxico, Viva, and Volaris—carried 44.5 million passengers from January to July 2025, up 4.62% year over year. International tourist arrivals reached 23.4 million, a 7.3% increase from 2024, despite a 16% drop in air arrivals.

Meanwhile, American Airlines supported the US DOT’s plan to end the Delta-Aeroméxico joint venture over competitive concerns. Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) launched a consultancy tender to expand passenger routes. ICAO reported 95 commercial flight accidents in 2024—up from 66 in 2023—with 296 fatalities, highlighting the need for stronger global safety measures.

More news below:

AIFA Hires Consultant to Plan Passenger Route Expansion

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) has launched its first procurement process to hire a consultancy firm to develop a strategic plan for passenger route expansion. The goal is to “maximize revenue sources and enhance connectivity,” according to the airport administration.

AICM Faces Delays After Heavy Rain Forces Two Closures

Mexico City’s international airport (AICM) was forced to close twice on Aug. 12 due to heavy rainfall, exposing critical vulnerabilities not only in infrastructure but also in air traffic control operations. These disruptions caused delays affecting 19,500 passengers and 120 flights.

Air Canada Crew Defies Order, Strike Disruptions Continue

Air Canada’s striking flight attendants have refused to comply with a government-backed order to return to work, delaying the airline’s planned resumption of operations and prolonging travel disruptions. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representing 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants, announced on Aug. 17 that they would continue striking, calling the back-to-work order “unconstitutional” and “designed to protect the airline’s profit.” The union urged Air Canada to return to the bargaining table for “a fair deal.”

Agility, Close Communication Critical to Navigate Market Shifts

“Despite geopolitical tensions and protectionist measures, the underlying trend of globalization and international cooperation will continue. The biggest challenge for the air freight sector will be achieving this growth sustainably. Technological innovation in aviation over the past 30 years has been remarkable, and new solutions — particularly in fuel efficiency and alternative energy — will emerge, even if large battery-powered aircraft remain unlikely in the short term” says Robert Van De Weg, CEO of mas Cargo airline.

American Backs DOT Plan to End Delta-Aeroméxico Alliance

American Airlines (AA) has formally endorsed the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposal to revoke antitrust immunity for the joint venture between Aeroméxico and Delta Air Lines. The eight-year-old alliance, which allows the two carriers to coordinate schedules and pricing on US-Mexico routes, is under review due to regulatory and competitive concerns.

FAA Approves 1,000th Commercial Space Operation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reached a significant milestone this week, marking its 1,000th licensed or permitted commercial space operation. 

AMLO Urged Sheinbaum for Extra Terminal at AICM Despite AIFA

The federal government under former President Andrés López (AMLO) concluded before leaving office that the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) needs urgent structural upgrades to prevent recurrent flooding, flight cancellations, and passenger disruptions. Despite the opening of Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), the administration advised incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum to build a third terminal and make critical infrastructure investments.

Mexico Grows as Aerospace Hub Despite Tariff Challenges Jergens

Mexico is emerging as a key  hub for the aerospace industry, fueled by growing foreign investment and the presence of major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), according to Spencer Wills, Managing Director for Europe at Jergens, a US-based aerospace component manufacturer.

Mexico Welcomes 23.4 Million Tourists in 1H25, Up 7.3% YoY

Between January and June 2025, Mexico welcomed 23.4 million international tourists, a 7.3% increase over the same period in 2024, Tourism Minister Josefina Rodríguez Zamora reported. Air arrivals totaled 12.1 million, down 16% year-over-year, while land entries rose 18.5% to 1.9 million. These figures exclude same-day visitors and cruise passengers.

Mexico’s Top 3 Airlines Carry 44.5 Million Passengers

Between January and July 2025, Mexico’s three leading airlines—Aeroméxico, Viva, and Volaris—transported a combined 44.5 million passengers, a 4.62% increase compared to the same period in 2024. During the first seven months of last year, these carriers moved 42.56 million passengers, according to operational reports from each airline.

ICAO Reports 95 Flight Accidents in 2024, Urges Global Safety

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) reported an increase in commercial aviation accidents and fatalities in 2024, urging heightened global cooperation on safety priorities. According to ICAO’s 2025 Edition Safety Report – State of Global Aviation Safety, 95 accidents occurred on scheduled commercial flights in 2024, compared to 66 in 2023. Ten of these were fatal, resulting in 296 deaths, up from 72 the previous year.

US Air Cargo From China Drops 60%, IATA Cuts Forecast

Air cargo  shipments from China to the United States plunged 60% in 2025 following the broad tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, while overall US air cargo volumes fell 25% year-over-year, according to a report by  Cassel Salpeter. Reflecting this disruption, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revised its global air cargo growth forecast for 2025 from 5.8% to near zero.

Spirit Airlines Risks Survival Without New Funding

Spirit Airlines has issued a going-concern warning in its latest quarterly filing, highlighting uncertainty about its ability to continue operations beyond the next year without securing additional cash. The announcement comes five months after the budget carrier emerged from bankruptcy following a debt restructuring that converted US$795 million of debt into equity.