Background on Querétaro International Airport (AIQ)
The Querétaro International Airport (AIQ) has demonstrated remarkable growth, surpassing its passenger numbers for the entire year of 2024 by November. This success is crucial as it highlights the airport’s increasing significance in regional and national transportation networks.
Passenger Growth and Ranks
From January to November, AIQ reported 2,181,893 passengers, surpassing the 2024 total of 2,749,500 passengers, according to data from the Secretariat of Sustainable Development (Sedesu). This represents a 5.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024, as reported by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT).
Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, the Secretary of Sedesu, highlighted that passenger numbers increased by 17.6% between the first eleven months of 2024 and the same period in 2025. He mentioned that AIQ saw 2,180,000 passengers from January to November, which is 100,000 more passengers than the previous year.
Currently, AIQ ranks 11th in passenger movement and 4th in cargo handling, according to state dependency data.
Rutas and Cargo Growth
AIQ operates 14 domestic routes and eight international routes, including a new direct flight to Madrid that began on December 20, 2023. In terms of cargo, AIQ handled 75,248 tonnes from January to November, marking a 6.3% annual growth and placing it 4th nationally.
Expansion Projects and Improvements
Given the airport’s growth, AIQ administration is taking steps to expand its capacities and enhance user experience. Recent improvements include the construction of new hangars, extending the baggage claim area, and adding five telescopic walkways to accommodate passengers.
- Second Terminal Project: A project for a new terminal, estimated at 90,000 square meters, is underway. This expansion will add approximately 14 additional positions and potentially accommodate nearly 15 million passengers at full capacity.
- Ciudad Aeropuerto Strategy: This initiative aims to develop diverse infrastructure around AIQ, offering more services such as growing industrial parks, residential zones, public transportation, and more.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Querétaro International Airport (AIQ)? AIQ is a major airport in Querétaro, Mexico, offering both domestic and international flights. It has experienced significant growth in passenger numbers and cargo handling.
- Why is AIQ’s growth important? The airport’s expansion and increased passenger numbers reflect its growing role in regional transportation networks, providing better connectivity for both travelers and businesses.
- What recent improvements have been made at AIQ? Recent enhancements include new hangars, extended baggage claim areas, and additional telescopic walkways to improve passenger experience.
- What are the ongoing expansion projects at AIQ? The airport is developing a new terminal estimated at 90,000 square meters and implementing the Ciudad Aeropuerto strategy to create diverse infrastructure around the airport.
