Mexico City Airport Raises Flight Caps Ahead of FIFA World Cup Rush

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has seen a slight rise in passenger numbers despite recent operational changes. Between January and April 2025, the airport handled 14.5 million travellers, marking a 1.3% increase from the same period last year. Meanwhile, authorities have adjusted flight caps and fees in response to growing demand. In 2022, AICM first cut hourly operations from 61 to 52 due to congestion and airspace limits. The following year, the cap dropped further to 43. However, in May 2023, the Mexican Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC) allowed a small increase, raising the limit from 43 to 44 flights per hour.

More recently, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation boosted the cap again, this time to 46 takeoffs and landings per hour. The changes come as the airport prepares for a surge in visitors ahead of the FIFA World Cup, set to begin on June 11 in Mexico City. Officials expect an extra 5.5 million tourists during the event.

Passenger trends have varied in early 2025. Domestic traffic at AICM fell slightly by 0.3% from January to April, while international arrivals rose by 4%, helped by new connections. The airport also raised its Airport Usage Fee (TUA) for domestic flights from $29.70 to $30.59 (a 2.9% increase) and for international flights from $56.39 to $58.09 (up 3%).

In a separate move, Mexico and the U.S. Department of Transportation reached a preliminary deal to lift restrictions on 13 routes between AICM, AIFA, and U.S. destinations. The agreement will take effect once certain operational measures are in place. The latest adjustments to flight caps and fees aim to balance growing demand with airport capacity. With the World Cup approaching, AICM is preparing for a significant influx of travellers. The recent U.S. route agreement could further expand international connections in the coming months.