AIFA Corridor to Become US$9.2 Billion Data Center Hub

Public and private sectors have initiated coordinated efforts to establish the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) corridor as a development hub for data centers. This initiative seeks to capitalize on existing infrastructure to attract an estimated US$9.2 billion in investment over the next five years, positioning Mexico as a key node in the regional digital economy.

The strategy focuses on optimizing available resources to accelerate capital investment. “Our job is to bring companies to places where infrastructure already exists so they do not have to make the entire investment in infrastructure. This helps us make investments shorter-term and leverages what is already available,” says Adriana Rivera, President, Mexican Association of Data Centers (MEXDC). 

The exponential growth in global data generation and consumption, mainly because of AI workloads, has created unprecedented demand for storage and processing infrastructure. Mexico is an optimal candidate for data center localization due to its strategic geographical position and demographics, reports MEXDC. The association argues that the region has significant investment potential, contingent on the existence of ecosystems with adequate infrastructure.

The development of the AIFA corridor is part of a broader strategy by the State of Mexico to enhance various economic development poles. This federal state, due to its population density and industrial concentration, represents a highly attractive market. The initiative aims to transform municipalities that have historically served as commuter towns into centers of high-value economic activity, diversifying the local economy and creating specialized jobs, reports El Economista. The area was selected for the corridor due to the availability of fiber optic connectivity and energy, which are decisive to guarantee the uninterrupted operation these facilities require.

The AIFA corridor project is part of a master plan that includes other strategic corridors in the State of Mexico, such as the industrial logistics hub (Cuautitlan and Tultitlan), the East corridor (Ecatepec and Texcoco), the Central corridor (Toluca Valley) and the North corridor (Tlalnepantla and Jilotepec). Each possesses a specific economic focus, from logistics and manufacturing to agribusiness.

For the AIFA corridor, high demand for space is projected to be driven by its inclusion in the Plan México promoted by the federal government. The municipalities of Zumpango, Tecamac, Jaltenco, Nextlalpan, and Tonanitla are the focal points of this strategy. The arrival of data centers is anticipated to act as a catalyst to attract other investments in sectors like electromobility, information technology, and semiconductors.

One factor that could accelerate these developments is the proximity of international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This event will function as a deadline for the digitalization of businesses and services, increasing the demand for robust digital infrastructure.