Current Capacity and Future Projections
The passenger terminal at Querétaro International Airport (AIQ) is currently operating at approximately 70% of its capacity. The airport administration is preparing an executive project to expand the space for passenger reception, according to Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, the Secretary of Sustainable Development (Sedesu).
Air cargo operations at AIQ are only at 15% of their capacity, leaving ample room for growth. Del Prete Tercero explained, “For passengers, we’re at 70%, which is why we’re already thinking about expanding the passenger terminal… In terms of air operations, there’s plenty of availability.” He added that the executive project is being developed, and they are evaluating the execution timeline, aiming to complete it by 2027.
Projected Passenger Growth
By the last quarter of the year, AIQ is expected to close 2025 with a total flow of 2.3 million passengers, marking nearly an 11% increase from the 2024 data reported by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT).
“We hope that many routes will be operating at their maximum capacity by the end of the year, which is why we’ve emphasized expanding the passenger terminal. We estimate that this terminal can accommodate around 3 million passengers, and we aim to close 2025 with approximately 2.3 million passengers, giving us room to continue operations,” Del Prete Tercero stated.
AIQ’s Potential for More Flights
The Querétaro airport has the capacity to receive more flights, according to Del Prete Tercero. He mentioned that some airlines might consider transferring flights from other airports due to recent developments.
This comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the suspension of routes for certain airlines operating at both the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM).
“It will be up to them to conduct market research and decide the convenience of operating from Querétaro. We are prepared to support any decision airlines make to operate from Querétaro; the airport is ready and willing to receive more flights,” Del Prete Tercero said.
He also noted that airlines with activity at AIFA also have operations at AIQ, so each company will evaluate the commercial viability of transferring flights.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current capacity of the Querétaro International Airport (AIQ)? AIQ is currently operating at approximately 70% of its passenger terminal capacity, while air cargo operations are only at 15%.
- Why is the airport planning an expansion? The expansion project aims to accommodate growing passenger numbers and prepare for future airline route considerations.
- What is the projected passenger count for AIQ by 2025? AIQ aims to close 2025 with approximately 2.3 million passengers, representing nearly an 11% increase from 2024.
- Can AIQ accommodate more flights from airlines currently operating at other Mexican airports? Yes, AIQ has the potential to receive more flights. Airlines will evaluate the commercial viability of transferring routes based on market research and AIQ’s readiness to support their operations.
