Mexico Air Cargo Up 1.4% in October, but Remains Below 2024

In October 2025, Mexico’s air cargo sector handled 113,642t, marking a 1.4% YoY increase, reports the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). However, cumulative cargo volume for January-October 2025 declined 3.9%, falling to 1.01 million t, down from 1.05 million t in the same period of 2024, reflecting structural shifts in freight operations, airport specialization, and the continued redistribution of cargo flows following regulatory changes at Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) remained the country’s largest cargo airport by volume, handling 37,273t in October, equivalent to 32.6% of total national air cargo. Despite this leadership position, AIFA recorded a 4.0% annual decline for the month and a 12.2% drop year-to-date, underscoring a normalization after absorbing cargo displaced from AICM following regulatory restrictions implemented in 2023.

In contrast, AICM showed continued recovery within its restricted operating framework, handling 22,606t in October, up 3.0% year over year, and posting 4.8% growth during the first ten months of 2025.

Guadalajara and Queretaro Drive Regional Cargo Growth

Guadalajara International Airport stood out as one of the fastest-growing cargo hubs, recording a 15.9% increase in October, with 17,432t handled, and a 3.9% rise year-to-date. This growth was primarily driven by international freight, which expanded 24.8% YoY, reinforcing Guadalajara’s role as a high-value manufacturing and logistics gateway.

Queretaro also maintained solid performance, particularly in domestic cargo, where it led the country with 5,774t in October, an 18.9% annual increase, reflecting the strength of automotive, aerospace, and industrial supply chains in the Bajio region.

Domestic Cargo Grows Monthly, While International Cargo Remains Under Pressure

Domestic air cargo totaled 35,747t in October, up 0.9% compared to the same month in 2024. However, accumulated domestic cargo from January to October fell 2.1%, reaching 317,939t. Declines at airports such as Santa Lucia and Guadalajara were partially offset by gains at AICM, Monterrey, and Queretaro.

International air cargo showed a 1.6% increase in October, totaling 77,895t, but continued to contract over the longer term. From January to October 2025, international cargo volumes dropped 4.7%, settling at 693,078t.

Santa Lucía continued to dominate this segment with 46.4% share, though volumes declined 10.9% year-to-date. Guadalajara and GAP-operated airports partially counterbalanced this trend, posting 9.2% year-to-date growth, reflecting diversification in Mexico’s export-oriented manufacturing base