PRI Deputy Proposes Emergency Vehicle Access to Federal Airports

Deputy Óscar Torres of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) has proposed an amendment to Article 46 of Mexico’s Airport Law, that would allow state-licensed emergency and roadside assistance vehicles to enter federally controlled airport zones under specific, exceptional circumstances.

Currently, regulations prohibit ambulances, tow trucks, and similar vehicles with state-issued plates from accessing federal airport areas. Torres Castañeda’s proposal aims to close this gap in emergency response capabilities within these critical zones.

The amendment would permit state-registered vehicles to enter federal airport areas in cases of verified emergencies such as mechanical breakdowns, accidents, or medical crises. Such access would require prior written authorization from airport authorities or the National Guard, consent from the affected individual, and detailed documentation of the vehicle’s entry, including reasons, duration, and driver details.

“This is not about removing federal oversight, but about creating a clear, controlled exception for urgent situations,” Torres explained.

He highlighted that the current rules often delay urgent assistance due to jurisdictional restrictions, increasing risks for citizens. “While federal control ensures security and standards, denying state emergency vehicles access can put lives in danger, especially when no federal response is available,” he said.

Examples cited include heart attacks, severe asthma attacks, vehicle accidents, and breakdowns in airport parking areas—situations where timely help is vital. Torres warned that preventing ambulances or tow trucks from entering for administrative reasons could infringe on basic rights to life and health.

The proposal seeks to add a paragraph to Article 46 explicitly outlining the criteria for state vehicle emergency access and requiring formal documentation that releases airport authorities from liability.

“State providers are often ready and able but are blocked by these federal restrictions. Such limitations may violate constitutional protections for fundamental human rights, as stated in Article 1,” Torres concluded.