Overview of Mexico’s Air Travel Growth in 2025
In 2025, airlines operating in Mexico, both national and international, transported a record-breaking 122 million 444,725 passengers in regular flights. This represents a 2.5% increase compared to the previous year (0.9% growth in 2024), with Volaris, Viva, Aeroméxico, American Airlines, United, and Delta leading the sector.
National Market Performance
According to data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), in the national market led by Viva, passenger numbers increased by 3.3%, totaling 63 million 534,515 passengers. Meanwhile, national airlines with international operations, primarily Aeroméxico, saw a 4.9% rise in passengers, reaching 18 million 022,438.
Fleet and Passenger Growth
The seven airlines (including TAR, Mexicana de Aviación, Magnicharters, and Aerus) reported a milestone with their fleet in 2024, operating 433 aircraft with an average age of 8.6 years. However, the registered fleet consists of 469 aircraft due to ongoing Pratt & Whitney engine reviews for Viva and Volaris planes.
International Airlines Performance
American Airlines leads international airlines, transporting 40 million 887,772 passengers with a marginal 0.2% increase. This growth was driven by Canadian airlines, which increased passengers by 19.6% (5 million 804,740), while US airlines saw a 3.1% decrease (26 million 778,953). These two segments account for 79% of total passengers handled by international firms.
Expert Analysis and Future Outlook
Aviation analyst Rodrigo Pérez-Alonso considers the 2.5% passenger growth “mediocre,” as Mexico has the potential to grow between 5% and 7% annually with proper infrastructure. He believes traditional airlines have limited growth potential, while low-cost carriers are beginning to stimulate previously fragmented markets.
Key Players: Volaris, Viva, and Aeroméxico
In 2025, Volaris remained the airline with the most passengers served: 28 million 226,017 (5.2% more than the previous year) with an 84.3% occupancy rate. Viva followed closely, serving 28 million 218,612 passengers with a 7.9% increase, reflecting the strength of the low-cost model driving their merger process expected to conclude by year’s end.
Grupo Aeroméxico (Aeroméxico and Aeroméxico Connect) transported 24 million 228,326 passengers, a 3.3% decrease from 2024 with an 85.9% occupancy rate.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of Mexico’s air travel reaching a new record in 2025? The growth indicates the expanding aviation sector and increased passenger demand, with low-cost airlines playing a crucial role.
- Which airlines are leading the Mexican aviation sector? Volaris, Viva, Aeroméxico, American Airlines, United, and Delta are the key players.
- How did the national market perform in 2025? The national market, led by Viva, saw a 3.3% increase in passengers.
- What is the outlook for international airlines in Mexico? American Airlines leads, but growth is marginal (0.2%) with Canadian airlines driving most of the increase.
- What does aviation analyst Rodrigo Pérez-Alonso say about Mexico’s growth potential? He believes Mexico can grow between 5% and 7% annually with proper infrastructure, while traditional airlines have limited growth potential.
