Felipe Ángeles International Airport Begins Operations

On March 21, the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) was inaugurated, finally replacing the New Mexico International Airport (NAIM) projected for Texcoco before the López Obrador administration entered. The inauguration was attended by 1,400 guests, including politicians and businessmen. On Monday, the first commercial and international flights arrived at the AIFA, coming from Venezuela’s Conviasa airline and Mexico’s Volaris. According to Milenio, the airport has had few passengers outside of its inauguration day.

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Lake Texcoco is Declared a Protected Natural Area

The government published a decree in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) to declare Lake Texcoco a protected natural area. SEMARNAT highlighted that in addition to supplying water to central Mexico, 250 species of flora and 370 of fauna live around the lake. The decree establishes that activities such as agriculture, livestock and fishing may continue as long as they are sustainable. In addition, the government announced investment of MX$4.5 billion (US$222 million) will be allocated for the construction of an ecological park, which is already 25 percent complete.

AIFA Will Support Air Taxi Services

López Obrador announced that an air taxi service is being prepared for passengers who want to travel from Mexico City to AIFA. “There will be taxis for everyone, but especially for those with additional financial resources. We will literally take people from their homes to the airport. The services will be provided through private concessions. This service has been highly requested.” López Obrador said that three companies have already requested concessions, which, if approved, will be able to operate with two helicopters each.

Protests Against the Construction of the Mayan Train

NGOs, Mayan communities, ecological experts and archeologists have demanded the cancellation of the Mayan Train’s Section 5 construction works, since this would affect the jungle and underground rivers of the region. Protestors say Section 3, which goes from Cancun to Tulum and was modified due to problems with hoteliers, does not have an environmental impact study. This may endanger the entire region’s ecosystem.

SEDATU Will Update Urban Development Programs

The Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (SEDATU) reported that it will promote more urban development programs, as only 25 percent of the country's communities have them. The initiative seeks to promote territorial development and planning adjusted to the needs of these communities. Román Meyer, Head, SEDATU, said that to strengthen these programs, the support of local governments, especially municipalities, is essential.