Introduction
While discussions revolve around the “Metropolitan Airport System,” the reality is that Mexico’s Valley’s airport infrastructure functions more like a competitive triangle of airports rather than an integrated system, contributing to its inefficiency.
Background on Key Airports
The three main airports in the Valley of Mexico are the Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM), Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), and Toluca International Airport. Despite their existence, the crucial equation determining passenger and airline choices—reliable ground connectivity, competitive door-to-door times, and an equivalent air connectivity product (frequencies, connection banks, international network)—remains unresolved.
Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM)
The AICM remains the central “magnet” of the system, despite operating under a reduced hourly operational cap (from 61 to 44) intended to boost demand at AIFA. However, neither airlines expanded their offerings nor did users see a solution, causing AIFA’s stagnation and strangling AICM’s connectivity along with it.
Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA)
AIFA, though underutilized in terms of runways and terminals, faces market and accessibility challenges. In 2025, it reported over 7 million passengers, rising to more than 17 million since 2022. However, these figures may not reflect reality due to limited information availability. Even so, this traffic is insufficient to match AICM’s connectivity.
Toluca International Airport
At 72 km from AICM, Toluca serves as a safety valve but remains underutilized. In 2024, it handled 1.7 million passengers, with local actors suggesting thresholds (e.g., 2.3 million) to attract investment and expand services.
Challenges and Inefficiencies
The main issues include limited slots turning an aeroport into a scarce resource, driving up opportunity costs (lost new routes, reduced flexibility amid disruptions) and intensifying competition for capacity among airlines.
The Need for a Long-Term State Policy
The urgency of implementing a long-term state policy in the aviation sector is evident. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive strategy to improve ground connectivity, optimize door-to-door times, and develop an attractive air connectivity product to consolidate a hub.
