SEMAR Seeks MX$2.1 Billion for AICM Terminal 1 Upgrade by 2026

Mexico’s Ministry of the Navy (SEMAR) has formally requested MX$2.1 billion (US$125 million) from the Ministry of Finance (SHCP) to upgrade Terminal 1 of Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The proposed improvements aim to address infrastructure, security, and operational challenges at the country’s busiest airport, aligning with several  recommendations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

According to project documentation, the funds would be allocated as follows:

• MX$426.4 million: Expansion of waiting areas and separation of passenger flows, following IATA’s guidelines to enhance service quality.
   

• MX$992.3 million: Restructuring and reinforcing domestic and international parking structures, modernizing finishes, and improving the terminal’s general image, alongside investments in new security and technology systems.
   

• MX$684.3 million: Renovation of the video surveillance system and perimeter protection at Terminal 1.

SEMAR acknowledges that not all upgrades will be completed before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event expected to increase international traffic through Mexican airports, including AICM.

“The question is whether the Navy’s planned works, in infrastructure as prone to quality issues as AICM, will be carried out with the necessary planning and resources,” said Juan Antonio José, an aviation sector consultant, in an interview with Reforma.

In its submission, SEMAR highlighted several risks to project delivery, including the potential need for significant maintenance, additional work identified during construction, delays, and reduced operational capacity in both land-side and air-side terminal areas.

“These challenges could lead to changes in the investment timeline, potential cost overruns, and inconvenience for users and passengers,” SEMAR noted.

The initiative continues efforts to improve AICM’s infrastructure following ongoing complaints about overcrowding, outdated facilities, and operational inefficiencies. Despite previous investments, Terminal 1 remains constrained by its age, high passenger volumes, and spatial limitations.