Ferroviary Transport Between AICM and AIFA: A Long-Term Goal
Arturo Flores Melgoza, coordinator of the remodeling of AICM’s Terminals 1 and 2, acknowledged during the IV National Transport Infrastructure Forum organized by the Mexican Civil Engineers College, that there is a connectivity plan involving ferroviary transport between the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). He described it as “a very ambitious program” with a target implementation date of 2040.
AICM’s Remodeling for the 2026 World Cup
The AICM is currently in the remodeling and planning phase to accommodate the massive passenger increase expected during the 2026 World Cup. Flores Melgoza stated, “We are facing an operational scenario that will test all our logistical capacity.” Passenger flow during June and July 2026 is estimated at 5 million passengers.
Key Aeroports for the 2026 World Cup
Besides AICM and AIFA, the key aeroports during the 2026 World Cup include Cuernavaca in Morelos and Toluca in the State of Mexico, serving central Mexico.
Investment and Remodeling Plans
With an investment of 8,552 million pesos from self-generated resources, the AICM plans to carry out an integral remodeling of Terminals 1 and 2, focusing on migration areas, baggage handling, and inter-terminal connectivity.
Temporary Connectivity Solutions for the 2026 World Cup
For temporary connectivity during the 2026 World Cup, AICM is considering alternatives such as establishing transfer stations outside the airport. For instance, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez could serve as a transfer point with direct transportation to stadiums.
Flores Melgoza mentioned, “We are in talks with both the city’s mayor and the Mexico City government, and there is excellent collaboration. We are visualizing improvements to all perimeter infrastructure surrounding the airport, which will enhance visitors’ overall experience during the World Cup.”
Unified Infrastructure Improvement Across Mexico
In 2025, the Group Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México and the Mexican Navy will undertake infrastructure projects at several airports, including Guaymas and Ciudad Obregón in Sonora, Colima, Ciudad del Carmen, Loreto, and Matamoros. These projects aim to expand runways, platforms, terminal buildings, modernize security and control systems, enlarge waiting areas, and rehabilitate control towers and parking.
These initiatives will contribute to a modern, resilient, and capacity-rich air transport network in Mexico, enhancing regional aviation mobility and economic development while continuously improving user experiences.
AICM’s Remodeling: Giving Terminals a Unified Identity
Flores Melgoza explained that the AICM remodeling aims to give Terminals 1 and 2 a distinct identity, as they were built at different times with varying architectural styles. The goal is to harmonize the architecture and provide a cohesive airport experience with enhanced life and improved passenger satisfaction.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the AICM’s connectivity plan? It involves a ferroviary transport system between AICM and AIFA, with a target implementation date of 2040.
- What is the AICM’s current status? The airport is undergoing remodeling and planning to accommodate the massive passenger increase expected during the 2026 World Cup.
- Which other aeroports are key for the 2026 World Cup? Along with AICM and AIFA, Cuernavaca in Morelos and Toluca in the State of Mexico are crucial for central Mexico.
- What investments and remodeling plans does AICM have? An 8,552 million pesos investment will be used for an integral remodeling of Terminals 1 and 2, focusing on migration areas, baggage handling, and inter-terminal connectivity.
- What temporary connectivity solutions are being considered for the 2026 World Cup? AICM is exploring alternatives like transfer stations outside the airport, such as using the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for direct transportation to stadiums.
- What other infrastructure improvements are planned across Mexico? The Group Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México and the Mexican Navy will undertake projects to expand runways, modernize security systems, and enhance user experiences at several airports.
- What is the goal of AICM’s remodeling? To give Terminals 1 and 2 a unified architectural identity, enhancing passenger experience and airport life.
