US Cargo Airlines to Stay at AIFA Despite Concerns

US-based cargo airlines currently operating at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) have no plans to return to the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), according to AIFA Director Isidoro Pastor. He stated that carriers have expressed operational satisfaction and confirmed long-term commitments to AIFA, despite recent concerns raised by the US government.

“I am fully confident, based on the airlines’ own statements, that they have no intention of returning to AICM due to infrastructure and scheduling restrictions,” Pastor said during the 67th General Assembly of the Association of Aviation Pilots of Mexico (ASPA). 

Seventeen US cargo carriers currently operate at AIFA—three with regular scheduled flights and 14 with charter services. According to Pastor, all have reported positive results since relocating. “Each airline has individually stated that, beyond being satisfied with AIFA’s infrastructure and safety, they have significantly expanded their foreign trade operations,” he added.

The transfer of cargo operations from AICM to AIFA was mandated in 2023 by the previous Mexican administration as part of a broader logistics strategy. The US government has since argued that the move violates the bilateral air transport agreement, citing a lack of consultation and negative impacts on US carriers. 

At AICM, cargo flights were restricted to overnight operations due to slot and infrastructure limitations. In contrast, AIFA offers extended scheduling flexibility and a dedicated cargo facility designed for aircraft handling and goods processing—advantages frequently cited by carriers now based there.

Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT) is currently in talks with US authorities to address the formal trade complaint regarding the cargo relocation.