Mexico’s Aviation Industry Thrives Despite Trade Uncertainty with the US
The Mexican aviation industry continues to soar, despite trade uncertainties with the United States and engine revisions by low-cost airlines Viva and Volaris.
During the first quarter of the year, both national and international airlines operating in Mexico transported 31 million 090,300 regular passengers, marking a 3.5% increase compared to the same period last year (in the corresponding months of 2024, the increase was 3.4%, and in 2023, it was a robust 23.7% amidst the post-Covid recovery).
Market Segmentation
- Domestic Market: Led by Viva, grew by 5.3%, reaching 14 million 799,004 passengers.
- National Airlines with International Operations: Reported a 5.2% increase, carrying four million 297,258 passengers.
- International Airlines: Increased by 0.9%, with 11 million 994,038 users.
According to data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), US airlines, including American Airlines, experienced a 4.8% decrease, transporting seven million 570,332 passengers in the first two months of 2025 (a 5.9% drop was observed in January and February).
Top Domestic Routes
The Mexico-Cancún route remained the most demanded in domestic operations, albeit with a 0.1% decrease compared to the first quarter of the previous year. Monterrey-Mexico City and Mexico City-Guadalajara followed, with the former experiencing a 6.3% decline and the latter seeing a 0.3% increase.
Leading International Routes
Toronto-Cancún, Montreal-Cancún, and Chicago-Cancún were the top international routes. Toronto-Cancún and Montreal-Cancún saw growth of 41.2% and 58.3%, respectively, while Chicago-Cancún experienced a 21.4% decrease in passengers.
Volaris Leads the Pack
Between January and March, Volaris transported the highest total number of passengers: six million 706,405, marking a 7.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
However, Viva, the domestic market leader, saw an even greater percentage increase: 9.8%, with six million 413,157 users. Grupo Aeroméxico followed with five million 810,715 passengers but experienced a 1.9% decrease.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Volaris’ director, Enrique Beltranena, addressed the industry’s challenges in his recent financial report:
“Volaris remains focused on disciplined execution as we navigate a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. Our capacity decisions will continue to prioritize demand and sustained profitability… We will continue to deliver on our value proposition: offering low fares, maintaining an attractive and reliable route network, and providing relevant additional services that enhance the travel experience. We are confident in our ability to prepare for a swift recovery once uncertainty subsides.”
Currently, Volaris is reviewing the engines of nearly 30 aircraft, which has limited their growth. Meanwhile, Viva, its business model competitor, maintains operational efficiency through international crew and equipment rentals as per the existing regulations.
