SICT Preparing Final Details Before Relocating Cargo to AIFA

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) led a meeting with national and international cargo airlines to explain the relocation of cargo to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), as the ministry highlights cooperation is vital for a smooth transition. 

The Mexican government banned cargo operations at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) in February 2023. The transition is expected to be completed by July 7, 2023, as reported by MBN. The decree aims to improve mobility for passengers traveling at the AICM by relocating cargo to AIFA. 

The ministry explained that 73 agreements have been finalized with representatives of the cargo industry and that 35 are still being negotiated. Jorge Nuño Lara, Head, SICT, explained that coordinated work is vital for an orderly migration, deeming the collaboration as "a win-win process." The main agreements address customs operation guidelines, the processing of electronic identification badges and authorization of 10 customs in the catalog of transit routes: AICM, Cancun, Guadalajara, Lazaro Cardenas, Manzanillo, Monterrey, Queretaro, Toluca, Tijuana and Veracruz, explained SICT via a press release. 

SICT also announced a schedule specifying activities for certifications, route modifications, accreditation of cargo agents and the operation of the National Customs Agency (ANAM) and the National Health, Safety and Quality Service (SENASICA). Other activities include the implementation of the ANAM-Remote Consultation and Validation of Petitions Enabled systems and a link between the Single Window for Mexican Foreign Trade and Validation of Petitions.

AIFA can carry out imports, transits, transshipments, exports, transfers and processing of badges for all types of users already, as SICT highlights that AIFA’s cargo capacity doubles AICM’s and could grow up to 2 million tons of cargo per year. SICT explained that airport fees at AIFA are below the national average for landing, parking and overnight stays and that the airport has available schedules for accommodation without restrictions, as reported by MBN. 

“We have to find the formula to reduce the processes; look for the certifications to be given, that we have all this management need at hand,” says Nuño.