Mexico speeds up airport modernization ahead of the World Cup
With one year to go until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mexico is not only fine-tuning its stadiums: its airports are also preparing to welcome more than five million domestic and international visitors.
The country's airport infrastructure faces an unprecedented challenge. According to FIFA estimates, millions of tourists will travel to Mexico not only to watch the games, but also to take advantage of their stay and visit other destinations. This projection has raised alarms about the need to modernize the country's main airports.
“The World Cup will be a watershed in terms of infrastructure. It's not just about handling passenger volume, but about offering a high-level experience that projects professionalism and hospitality from the moment of arrival,” said Patxi Borbolla, director of Strategic Projects at GAYA.
The expectation of a significant increase in domestic and international air traffic requires comprehensive modernization. Airports will need to optimize passenger and aircraft flow, strengthen operational safety, improve ground and air connectivity, and raise the quality of services offered.
“The construction and renovation of airports not only expands their capacity, but also strengthens their identity as gateways to the country,” added Borbolla. In this regard, the specialist highlighted that airport infrastructure goes beyond runways and aprons: it includes road access, intermodal connections, loading and unloading areas, taxiways, and, especially, waiting areas.
According to Airports Council International (ACI World), comfort in boarding areas is key to passenger satisfaction. Along the same lines, a study by Collinson revealed that 59% of travelers believe that VIP lounges significantly improve their experience.
“Waiting areas should no longer be seen as secondary spaces. Their design and functionality directly impact travelers' perception of airport quality,” said Borbolla. For him, investing in these spaces is not a matter of luxury, but of strategy: it improves mobility, reduces crowding, and offers a tangible return on investment.
Interior planning, he said, must consider technology, comfort, operational efficiency, and user-centered design. In a context where competition between tourist destinations is also measured by the airport experience, Mexico has a key opportunity to stand out to the world through airport modernization.
