World Cup 2026 to Drive Surge in Mexico Air Traffic: Monex

Mexico’s private airport groups and domestic airlines are preparing for a demand surge tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Monex said the tournament could act as a “key catalyst” for airport operators and carriers, supported by traffic projections, tourism trends and expanded commercial opportunities across host cities.

In a report titled “Airport Sector: Toward World Cup 2026,” Monex said Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), and Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) have expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, strengthening infrastructure for regional connectivity and international tourism. The firm projects passenger growth in 2026 of 3.9% for ASUR and 5.1% for both GAP and OMA, supported by “solid traffic recovery, route expansion to North America and event-driven demand.”

Monex estimates World Cup-related demand will materialize through three channels: inbound international tourists to Mexican host cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey—connecting traffic between US cities, and domestic travel within Mexico by fans, teams and corporate groups. Citing FIFA and World Tourism Organization figures, the report noted projected global attendance of 5.5 million people and an economic impact of US$40.9 billion, generating an estimated 824,000 jobs. Mexico’s federal government expects a local economic spillover of between US$1.8 billion and US$3 billion.

Recent passenger trends underpin the 2026 outlook. Between January and October 2025, Mexico received 38.4 million tourists, up 5.8% year on year, while foreign exchange inflows rose 6.5% to US$28.2 billion. Airport operators handled 164 million passengers in 2025, or 208 million including Mexico City International Airport (AICM). Domestic traffic increased 4.1%, while international traffic slipped 0.2%. Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Jamaica accounted for 77.3%, 10.6%, 8.3% and 3.8% of total traffic, respectively. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey handled a combined 78 million passengers.

Airlines are expected to reinforce this momentum. Aeroméxico increased cargo volumes by 20% through e-commerce in 2025, added 12 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, expanded its international network and grew its fleet to between 160 and 164 aircraft. Low-cost carriers Volaris and Viva announced the creation of a 50/50 holding company, Grupo Más Vuelos, which will retain both brands pending regulatory approval. Monex said the consolidation could generate structural synergies in domestic routes before extending to international markets.

State-owned Mexicana de Aviación launched a modernization plan centered on Embraer E2 aircraft and new routes, with a target fleet of 20 aircraft by 2028. Monex said the reconfiguration of carriers “supports airport traffic and strengthens the aviation ecosystem ahead of 2026.”

Major airports are also advancing renovation and capital investment programs. In Mexico City, AICM is implementing a MX$8.5 billion (US$460 million) modernization plan focused on structural rehabilitation, drainage upgrades and passenger-area reconfiguration, aimed at improving efficiency and operational reliability rather than expanding capacity. Additional works scheduled for January include façade upgrades at Terminal 1 and the renovation of an ambulatory area with a new fast-food zone. AICM said the program has reached 35% overall completion.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a  MX$121.54 billion (US$7 billion) budget to modernize 36 airports, as part of a broader MX$134 billion public-private plan to upgrade 62 airports between 2025 and 2030. Private operators such as OMA and GAP are advancing multibillion-peso expansion programs, while state and local governments are funding complementary projects to improve capacity, operational efficiency and long-term air connectivity.