AIFA Connectivity/Deterioration of the AICM

AIFA connectivity. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Jorge Nuño Lara said that the Suburban Train traveling from Mexico City to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is 36 percent complete and is expected to be completed in December 2023. “The project has an investment of MX$25.8 billion (US$1.29 billion). We are doing this project so that users save time and money.”

AIFA has faced major land connectivity challenges since the announcement of the project. For instance, critics point out the long traveling time it takes to reach the airport from Mexico City as one of its main problems, reported by MBN. Consequently, the federal government continues to invest in transport infrastructure to improve the connectivity. Among the main projects is the Suburban Train expansion, which aims to reduce transportation times and costs for those traveling to AIFA. The train will cross the Tultitlan, Tultepec, Nextlalpan, Zumpango and Tecamac municipalities.

AICM requires immediate intervention. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said it is urgent to rehabilitate Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). In addition, Sheinbaum stressed that air operations at the airport will not be suspended because the rehabilitation works will be underground. “The rehabilitation is going to cost close to MX$400 million (US$20.03 million) and will last approximately 10 months. The problem we face is the structure of the building and the little investment received in past governments.”

Mexico’s federal government announced major investment maintenance of Terminal 2 at the AICM. Previously, it was announced that with a federal budget investment of MX$600 million (US$30.18 million),Mexico City's government would be in charge of carrying out maintenance works at the AICM's T2. The works are expected to start this year and completed by the end of 2023. As part of the AICM’s restructuring works, a study is being prepared to determine the new maximum capacity under which the airport will operate. According to AICM, the study conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be completed next November.

Government is accused of militarizing the country. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador responded to the accusations pronounced by the 68 Committee by saying that the participation of the Army and Navy is needed to confront the violence and insecurity in the country. “The State does not violate human rights. We will not let that happen again."

On October 2, members of the 68 Committee who were protesting the massacre of students in 1968 made a call to prevent the militarization of the country and stressed that the army does not need to patrol the streets. In addition, the 68 Committee has accused the Mexican army of repressing various social fights.