Air cargo in Mexico grows 4.5%

Air cargo volume at Mexico’s major airports reached 835,883.9 metric tons during the January–August 2026 period, representing a 4.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 800,124.4 metric tons were recorded.

This result was accompanied by growth in international cargo, while the domestic segment saw a decline, according to figures released by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).

The trends during the period reflect differences in airport operations. Santa Lucia, Mexico City International Airport (AICM), and Guadalajara recorded the highest volumes in the terminal-by-terminal comparison, despite varying trends. Likewise, declines were observed at airports such as Tijuana, Cancún, Toluca, and San Luis Potosí.

Between January and August 2026, international cargo totaled 591,401.2 metric tons, an increase of 40,427.1 metric tons, or 7.3%, compared to 2025.

Santa Lucia ranked first with a cumulative total of 272,248.6 metric tons, a 6.8% increase over the previous year. Meanwhile, the Guadalajara airport handled 105,651.9 metric tons, 19% more than in 2025.

The AICM handled 130,135 metric tons of international cargo, representing a 2.5% increase. Monterrey recorded 30,822 metric tons, while Querétaro handled 15,809.8 metric tons.

In August, international cargo totaled 80,576.9 metric tons, an 11.6% increase.

In contrast, domestic cargo totaled 244,482.7 metric tons during the first half of 2026, a decrease of 1.9%. Cargo volume fell from 31,403 metric tons to 30,621 metric tons this August.

It is worth noting that the cumulative 4.5% growth in air cargo was accompanied by uneven performance across segments and terminals: The growth in international operations contrasted with the decline in domestic traffic.