AICM Faces Growing Pressure
Aviation experts believe Mexico City International Airport (AICM) will continue facing operational pressure despite recent efforts to expand capacity and improve bilateral air connectivity with the United States. Specialists warn that the airport’s structural limitations and growing passenger demand remain major challenges for the country’s aviation sector.
The discussion intensified after Mexican and U.S. authorities reached a new bilateral air transport agreement aimed at restoring fair access for airlines operating between both countries. As part of the deal, Mexico committed to improving slot allocation transparency and increasing operational efficiency at AICM.
In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexican authorities recently approved a temporary increase in hourly operations at the airport, raising the limit from 44 to 46 flights per hour. The measure was made possible after infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of new rapid-exit taxiways designed to reduce runway congestion.
Despite these efforts, analysts argue that the airport continues to operate near saturation levels, handling more than 44 million passengers annually. Industry observers note that demand growth has outpaced infrastructure modernization for years, forcing authorities to rely on operational adjustments instead of large-scale expansion projects.
Experts also point to the broader metropolitan airport strategy involving Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), which was developed to complement AICM and redistribute traffic across the Mexico City region. However, passenger adoption and airline operations at AIFA have grown more slowly than initially expected.
The aviation debate comes as Mexico seeks to strengthen its position as a regional air transportation hub ahead of major international events and growing trade activity. Authorities are expected to continue evaluating long-term solutions to improve airport capacity, operational efficiency, and connectivity in one of Latin America’s busiest air travel markets.
