Background on the SICT and its Role
The Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) is Mexico’s key governmental body responsible for overseeing transportation, communication, and infrastructure projects. The SICT plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of Mexico’s aviation sector.
SICT’s Integrated Strategy for Aviation Improvement
In response to recent developments, the SICT has outlined an integrated strategy aimed at enhancing aviation safety, efficiency, and competitiveness in the Valle de México region. This strategy includes:
- Reduction of operations at Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM): This move aims to optimize airport capacity and streamline operations.
- Transfer of exclusive cargo operations to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA): This relocation has improved cargo efficiency and expanded capacity.
- Modernization and strengthening of airport infrastructure: These upgrades ensure a robust, specialized, and future-proof aviation ecosystem.
Benefits of Cargo Operations Relocation
The relocation of exclusive cargo operations from AICM to AIFA has yielded significant improvements:
- Increase in cargo airlines: The number of cargo airlines operating in the region has surged by 161%, from 18 at AICM to 47 currently operating at AIFA.
- Cargo tonnage transported: Between February 2023 and July 2025, over 843,000 tonnes have been transported, compared to the annual 250,000 tonnes handled by AICM in 2022.
- Full slot availability: Modern, robust, and specialized infrastructure ensures unrestricted flight schedules.
- Collaboration with all levels of government: Ensures public safety and logistical security along access and exit routes from the airport polygon.
- Strategic terrestrial connectivity: Links major industrial and commercial corridors in central Mexico.
SICT’s Collaborative Approach
The SICT emphasizes the importance of working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including airlines, foreign authorities, and international organizations. This collaborative effort ensures that decisions translate into tangible benefits for passengers and foster sustainable growth in the aviation industry.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the SICT’s role in Mexico’s aviation sector? The SICT oversees transportation, communication, and infrastructure projects to ensure the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of Mexico’s aviation sector.
- What is the integrated strategy outlined by SICT for aviation improvement? The strategy includes reducing operations at AICM, transferring exclusive cargo operations to AIFA, and modernizing airport infrastructure in the Valle de México region.
- What benefits have resulted from the cargo operations relocation? The relocation has led to a significant increase in cargo airlines, higher cargo tonnage transported, full slot availability, enhanced collaboration with government levels, and strategic terrestrial connectivity.
- Why is collaboration crucial for SICT’s aviation initiatives? Collaboration with airlines, foreign authorities, and international organizations ensures that decisions benefit passengers and promote sustainable growth in the aviation industry.
