Background on Querétaro International Airport (AIQ)
The Querétaro International Airport (AIQ) has experienced a unique situation in 2025, with domestic cargo playing a crucial role in sustaining operations amidst declining international cargo. According to data from the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), the airport has handled 56,345.8 tonnes of cargo from January to September, reflecting a 0.1% annual decrease.
Contextualizing the Cargo Fluctuations
This year, AIQ has witnessed fluctuations in cargo volume, with both increases and decreases throughout the year. The airport began January with an annual growth rate of 8.2%, followed by a double-digit decline in February (-20.5%). March saw a significant increase of 27%, while April experienced a -4.4% change. May brought a modest 0.3% growth, and June saw a 6% increase. July experienced a substantial 19.4% growth, but August and September recorded consecutive annual declines of -15.2% and -17.4%, respectively.
Domestic vs. International Cargo Contributions
In the first three quarters of 2025, domestic cargo has contributed 72% to the total volume, with its share increasing by 3.6 percentage points compared to the previous year. Conversely, international cargo has contributed 28% of the total volume, but its contribution has decreased by 3.6 percentage points.
Domestic Cargo’s Positive Impact
Among the different types of cargo, domestic cargo is the only segment with a positive balance in the first nine months of the year. It has accumulated 40,582.2 tonnes, representing a 5.1% annual growth.
Declining International Cargo
In contrast, international cargo has seen a decline of 11.4% from January to September, totaling 15,763.6 tonnes.
AIQ’s Position Among Mexican Airports
From January to September, the AIQ ranked as the fourth busiest airport in Mexico for cargo volume, contributing 6.3% of the total flow. The top three airports in terms of cargo volume were Santa Lucía (32.6%), Ciudad de México (20.5%), and Guadalajara (14.9%).
Uncertainty Surrounding US Trade Policy
These fluctuations in air cargo volume occur within a context of uncertainty due to the United States’ tariff policy, which is Mexico’s primary trading partner.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the overall cargo volume trend at AIQ in 2025? The airport has experienced a 0.1% annual decrease in cargo volume, with domestic cargo sustaining operations amidst declining international cargo.
- How has domestic cargo contributed to AIQ’s operations? Domestic cargo has contributed 72% to the total volume, with a 5.1% annual growth rate.
- What is the situation with international cargo at AIQ in 2025? International cargo has seen an 11.4% decline, contributing 28% to the total volume.
- Where does AIQ stand among other Mexican airports in terms of cargo volume? AIQ ranked fourth, contributing 6.3% of the total cargo flow in Mexico.
- What factors are contributing to the cargo volume fluctuations at AIQ? The primary factor is uncertainty surrounding the United States’ tariff policy, which impacts Mexico’s primary trading partner relationship.
