AICM Renovation Reaches 35% Completion, as GAM Reopens Key Areas

Grupo Aeroportuario Marina (GAM) has reopened multiple passenger areas at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) as part of a comprehensive renovation program launched in 2025. The operator says the reopened spaces improve mobility and strengthen the airport’s capacity to handle the post-holiday return surge. 

Terminal 1: International Arrivals Areas Back in Service

In Terminal 1’s international area, the remodeled zones serve about 8 million passengers per year, roughly 18% of the airport’s total travelers, according to AICM. The delivered areas include Last Waiting Room 20, baggage claim belts 10, 11 and 12 (used for flights arriving from Central and South America) and the corridor connecting immigration to those baggage belts.

GAM also reopened the “Golfo” Passenger Inspection Post, where the new configuration increases inspection lines from four to eight. The redesign includes a dedicated line for passengers with disabilities, aiming to reduce screening times for travelers and carry-on luggage.

Terminal 2: Most Baggage Claim Belts Operational Again

In Terminal 2, the areas housing nine of the 12 baggage claim belts are once again operational, including five domestic and four international belts, GAM reports. These spaces handle around 12 million passengers per year, according to the airport.

Across both terminals, the reopened zones received upgrades to electrical and hydrosanitary systems, flooring, ceilings, signage, and renovated walls and columns. The airport also says that additional areas are scheduled for January, including portions of Terminal 1’s façades and a remodeled ambulatory area that will add a new fast-food zone. With these handovers, AICM said the renovation has reached 35% overall progress.

The reopenings are being managed by GAM, the entity created by merging AICM with two other Mexico City airport management firms, GACM and SACM. The merger process was authorized in August 2024 and later concluded with AICM as the surviving legal entity operating under the GAM name.  

Beyond the reopened areas, AICM is carrying out a broader MX$8.5 billion (US$460 million) renovation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Mexico City is set to host the opening match. The program prioritizes structural rehabilitation, drainage upgrades, and reconfiguration of passenger areas to improve efficiency and reliability, rather than expanding capacity. 

A key focus is replacing the airport’s aging drainage network after heavy rains in August 2025 flooded runways and disrupted operations for roughly 10 hours, highlighting vulnerability during peak rainy-season events.  

AICM said back in October that about MX$3 billion has already been invested, with equipment contracts slated for early 2026 delivery. Reported upgrades include new flooring, lighting, air conditioning, baggage belts, restrooms, and electrical systems. In security and inspection, Terminal 1’s main checkpoint is reported to have increased to 13 inspection lines from six, while Terminal 2’s checkpoint is receiving new X-ray equipment.  

In December, MBN reported that the AICM expected to complete renovation works between late April and early May, with the goal of finishing all construction that affects passengers by May 15, as part of preparations for the World Cup demand surge.

Separately, AICM has described the wider renovation program as running into 2026, with substantial completion framed around April to May 2026, and additional work continuing beyond passenger-facing areas.