CONAMER Approves Ban on Cargo Operations at AICM

The National Commission for Regulatory Improvement (CONAMER) has issued a final verdict approving the Mexican government’s proposal to ban the operation of cargo-exclusive airlines at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The resolution points to concerns about the terminal's saturation and potential for accidents.

"Based on the analysis of the information contained in the AIR (Regulatory Impact Analysis), as well as the reading of the instrument itself, this commission determined the appropriateness of the regulatory improvement process. Given the importance of the aviation sector in Mexico due to the volume of passengers and cargo transported, its issuance is considered appropriate," states CONAMER.

The commission's analysis showed that from 2015 to 2020, there were only three accidents in the country and the accident rate per million was less than 2%. The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) data showed an average growth of 0.3% in operations from 2006 to 2020, with a 9.5% increase in passenger traffic from 2010 to 2019 and a 3.5% average growth in national and 3.2% in international cargo traffic from 2010 to 2020, with a 3.0% decrease in 2019-2020 due to the pandemic.

Given the dynamism of the industry, Mexico should pay attention to operational safety commitments, says CONAMER, which will bring a positive effect on passenger and cargo transportation. Otherwise, "the risk is that other countries limit traffic from and to our country and, in the same way, that situations that put the integrity of air operations and users at risk increase."

SICT aims to relocate cargo operations from AICM to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in compliance with the needs of the sector. The SICT has held 43 meetings with 61 groups of federal authorities and industry representatives since early 2022, with the goal of maintaining combined passenger and cargo services. The SICT justified its regulatory actions and the relocation of operations to AIFA, where the airport fees are 41% to 52% lower than average and has the potential to accommodate 3 million tons a year at full potential. 

Queretaro Can Handle Cargo From AICM: SEDESU

The Queretaro International Airport (AIQ) could handle some of the cargo moved through AICM, says Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, Queretaro’s Minister of Sustainable Development. AIQ, in partnership with the state government, will begin negotiations with companies that currently operate at AICM to explore the possibility of moving to Queretaro.

The decision to move will be based on market analysis, evaluation of road and rail logistics, and logistics within the airport, reports MBN. AIQ, part of both the Mexican Airport System and the Metropolitan Airport System, operates 24/7 and has a suitable runway for cargo jets. Despite criticism from some industry players, Del Prete says that the proposal could clear up cargo operations, as AICM is heavily saturated.