Mexico City Airport Boosts Hourly Flights to 46 for Summer Travel Rush

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) will now handle more flights each hour. The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has approved an increase to 46 takeoffs and landings per hour. This change takes effect during the summer season and follows months of review and preparation. The process began on 24 March 2023, when AICM’s director general submitted a Terminal Building Service Level Capacity Study to AFAC. The next day, the director general of Mexico’s Air Navigation Services (Seneam) provided AFAC with two key documents: an Airspace Capacity Increase Study and an airside assessment for the airport.

AFAC reviewed these studies alongside compliance checks under Article 94 of the Airports Law Regulations. On 27 March, the agency officially approved the operational expansion.

To support the increase, three new rapid-exit taxiways were built on Runway 05R. The first is already complete, while the second will finish in late May. The third is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The expansion was driven by demand from airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). AFAC also instructed the airport to implement measures ensuring smooth operations and proper public service delivery. The airport’s capacity has now risen to 46 hourly movements. This adjustment follows technical studies, regulatory approvals, and infrastructure upgrades. Airlines and authorities will monitor the changes as the summer season approaches.