Introduction and Background
The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, has finalized the project agreement to declare Colima Airport as an international terminal, under the management of the Mexican Navy (Semar). Currently, only two routes operate from this airport: to Tijuana with Volaris and to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (Aeroméxico).
Investment and Strategic Importance
In parallel, a 327 million pesos investment has commenced for the airport’s expansion. The infrastructure is strategically located near Mexico’s Pacific coast, benefiting the western region of Mexico, particularly in tourism and economic sectors. This improvement will enhance the connectivity of the National Airport System.
The new international status will boost operational efficiency, service quality, job opportunities, and regional/national economic competitiveness. According to the Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC), 117,483 passengers traveled through the airport between January and June of last year, a 14% increase from the previous year.
Project Details and Implementation
The project agreement, effective the day after publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), states:
- Colima Airport is declared and enabled as an international airport for the entry and exit of Mexican and foreign aircraft, including public regular air transportation, non-regular third-party air services, and private national and international aircraft operations.
- The airport must now comply with international standards set by migration, customs, environmental, phytosanitary, health, and public security authorities within their respective competencies.
With its upcoming international status, Colima Airport will join other international airports managed directly by Semar: Ciudad del Carmen, Ciudad Obregón, Guaymas, Loreto, Matamoros, and the Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM).
Construction Begins
On Wednesday, Colima’s Governor, Indira Vizcaíno, and the General Director of the Marina Aeroportuario Group, Almirante Juan José Padilla Olmos, initiated the construction of the airport’s expansion project.
“A total of 327 million pesos will be invested in a package of works, including the expansion of the terminal building, which encompasses medical facilities, documentation areas, passenger inspection posts, arrival and last-minute waiting rooms. This will significantly increase operational space and accommodate up to five times more passengers than currently,” explained Semar.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of declaring Colima Airport as an international terminal? This change aims to boost operational efficiency, service quality, job opportunities, and regional/national economic competitiveness.
- What is the significance of Colima Airport’s strategic location? Its proximity to Mexico’s Pacific coast benefits the western region, particularly in tourism and economic sectors.
- What does the international status entail for Colima Airport? The airport must now comply with international standards set by various authorities, including migration, customs, environmental, phytosanitary, health, and public security.
- What investments are being made for Colima Airport’s expansion? A 327 million pesos investment is allocated for the terminal building’s expansion, including medical facilities, documentation areas, passenger inspection posts, and larger waiting rooms.
