Background on Querétaro Airport and its Significance
The Aeropuerto Internacional de Querétaro (AIQ) has experienced a remarkable 25.2% increase in passenger transfers during the first quarter of 2025, according to records from Mexico’s Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT). This growth is noteworthy as it surpasses the 430,979 passengers transported during the same period in 2024.
Monthly Breakdown of Passenger Transfer Growth
- January: 29.2% increase
- February: 18.8% increase
- March: 26.8% increase
Domestic vs. International Passenger Transfers
Of the 539,447 passengers transported in Q1 2025, 70% were domestic travelers while the remaining 30% were international. This shift highlights a growing trend in domestic travel, as the proportion of domestic transfers increased from 64.9% in Q1 2024 to 70% in Q1 2025, while international transfers decreased from 35.1% to 30%.
March 2025: Record-breaking Passenger Transfers
In March 2025 alone, AIQ transported a record-breaking 190,322 passengers, surpassing any previous March since 2006. This achievement positions the airport as having the highest passenger transfers in March among all Mexican airports, with Ciudad de México (22.1%), Cancún (17.6%), Guadalajara (9.4%), Monterrey (7.2%), and Tijuana (6.4%) following closely behind.
Cargo Movement at AIQ
In addition to passenger transfers, the airport also saw a 4% increase in cargo movement during Q1 2025, totaling 18,486.9 tonnes. March’s cargo movement saw an annual growth rate of 27%, further contributing to the airport’s success.
Aircraft Operations
Despite the impressive passenger transfer growth, AIQ experienced a 6.4% annual decrease in aircraft operations from January to March 2025, totaling 12,094. This decline was driven by a -30.3% variation in February, following a 10.9% increase in January and a 3.8% rise in March, as reported by federal statistics.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main reason for the increase in passenger transfers at AIQ? The growth can be attributed to a series of annual increases, with notable jumps in January (29.2%), February (18.8%), and March (26.8%) of 2025.
- How do domestic and international passenger transfers compare? Domestic travelers accounted for 70% of all transfers in Q1 2025, while international travelers made up the remaining 30%. This represents a shift from Q1 2024, when domestic travelers comprised 64.9% and international travelers accounted for 35.1%.
- What is the significance of March 2025’s passenger transfer record? AIQ transported the highest number of passengers in March compared to any previous March since 2006, demonstrating its growing importance as a travel hub.
- How has cargo movement fared at AIQ? The airport saw a 4% increase in cargo movement during Q1 2025, with March experiencing an annual growth rate of 27%.
- Why did aircraft operations decrease in AIQ during Q1 2025? Although passenger transfers increased, aircraft operations experienced a 6.4% annual decrease from January to March 2025, driven by a -30.3% variation in February following initial growth in January and March.
