Background on the Situation
Guadalajara, Jalisco. The outgoing director of the Guadalajara International Airport (GAP), Martín Pablo Zazueta, acknowledged that the US trade and migration policies have caused a slight decrease in international passengers arriving at the airport during May and June, compared to the same months of the previous year.
Passenger Statistics
- In May 2025, the airport received 457,500 international travelers, a decrease of 1.4% compared to 464,000 passengers in May 2024.
- In June 2025, the airport welcomed 476,900 international travelers, a decrease of 1.5% compared to 484,400 passengers in June 2024.
Zazueta’s Perspective on the Impact
Zazueta stated, “The international traffic is indeed experiencing contraction since May; May and June have seen this decline, which relates to economic issues and what’s happening in the northern country. Many passengers are changing their travel habits.” He added, “Whether this effect is significant or not, we can’t determine it, but we are experiencing some impacts. However, we believe this is temporary and that international traffic will recover quickly.”
Overall Airport Performance
Zazueta emphasized that the overall traffic adjustment is less than 1%, and he highlighted that they are substituting this traffic with Canadian passengers, as well as opening new routes. National traffic is also increasing, resulting in a positive growth overall at Guadalajara airport.
First Half-Year Performance
In the first half of the year, GAP moved a total of nine million passengers (both national and international), marking a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Challenges and Optimism
Zazueta mentioned that there is still an impact from the limited seat availability due to Airbus engine issues, which have not yet fully recovered. He noted that they expected the fleet to be complete for this season, but it was extended by an additional year from aircraft manufacturers. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about GAP’s diverse traffic, which will continue to support future growth.
Changes in Airport Administration
Outgoing Director
After seven years as the airport’s administrator, Martín Pablo Zazueta transitioned to a corporate role within GAP as the director of Aeropuertos y Negocio Regulado.
Incoming Director
Cryshtian Amador Lizardi, formerly the director of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, now leads the Guadalajara airport administration.
Amador’s Focus on Key Projects
Amador stated, “My commitment is to drive key projects that will shape its future, such as the construction of Terminal 2 and the development of a new road access. Both projects will be crucial in enhancing passenger experience and addressing the airport’s growth prospectively.”
Master Development Plan Progress
Amador reiterated that the projects outlined in the 2025-2029 Master Development Plan, which includes a $223.77 million investment, are advancing steadily to provide safe, efficient, and high-level experiences for the approximately 18 million passengers who transit through this terminal annually.
By the end of the quinquennium, Guadalajara’s airport will have the capacity to move 35 million passengers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main reason for the decrease in international passengers? The primary cause of this decline is the economic and migration policies implemented by the United States, which have influenced traveler behavior.
- How many passengers did the airport handle in May and June 2025? In May, there were 457,500 international passengers (a 1.4% decrease from May 2024). In June, there were 476,900 international passengers (a 1.5% decrease from June 2024).
- What is the overall growth rate for the airport in the first half of 2025? The airport handled a total of nine million passengers in the first half of 2025, marking a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
- Who is the new airport administrator, and what are his priorities? Cryshtian Amador Lizardi is the new airport administrator. His priorities include constructing Terminal 2 and developing a new road access to improve passenger experience and accommodate future growth.
