Misplaced Pages

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Mexico City International Airport" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (September 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Mexico City International Airport Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez
IATA: MEX ICAO: MMMX LID: ME1
Summary
Airport type	Public
Owner/Operator	Grupo Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México
Serves	Greater Mexico City
Location	Mexico City, Mexico
Opened	May 15, 1931; 93 years ago (1931-05-15)
Hub for	Passenger Aeroméxico Aeroméxico Connect Volaris Viva Cargo AeroUnion Mas Air
Focus city for	Magnicharters
Time zone	CST (UTC−06:00)
Elevation AMSL	2,230 m / 7,316 ft
Coordinates	19°26′10″N 099°04′19″W / 19.43611°N 99.07194°W / 19.43611; -99.07194
Website	www.aicm.com.mx
Map
MEXLocation within Mexico CityShow map of Mexico CityMEXMEX (Mexico City)Show map of Mexico CityMEXMEX (Mexico)Show map of Mexico
Runways
Direction Length Surface m ft 05R/23L 3,900 12,795 Asphalt 05L/23R 3,952 12,966 Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
Total passengers 48,415,693 Ranking in Mexico 1st Cargo tonnage 447,887.2
Source: DAFIF Statistics: Airport website

Mexico City International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México, AICM); officially Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (Benito Juárez International Airport) (IATA: MEX, ICAO: MMMX) is the primary international airport serving Greater Mexico City. It is the busiest airport in Mexico and Latin America, ranking as the 17th-busiest in the world and eighth in North America as of 2022, based on passenger traffic and aircraft movements.

The airport is served by more than 25 airlines, handling flights to over 100 destinations across Mexico, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. With an average of 132,000 daily passengers, the airport handled 46,200,529 passengers in 2022 and 48,415,693 in 2023.

As the primary hub for Mexico's flag carrier, Aeroméxico, Mexico City Airport functions as a SkyTeam hub. Additionally, it serves as a hub for Volaris and Viva, and a focus city for Magnicharters. The facility comprises two passenger terminals and two runways. It supports cargo activities and accommodates entities such as Mexican Airspace Navigation Services, the Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency, and an Air Force Base. It is owned by the Mexican Navy and operated by Grupo Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de Mexico. It was named after the 19th-century president Benito Juárez.

Part of Mexico City's airport system, which also includes Toluca International Airport and Felipe Ángeles International Airport, the Mexico City International Airport was operating at full capacity, as of mid-2020. With an average of 1,056 daily aircraft movements, it ranks as one of the busiest two-runway airports in the world.

History

Origins

The original site, known as Llanos de Balbuena, had been utilized for aeronautical activities since 1910, marking a significant milestone when Alberto Braniff became the first person to fly an airplane in Mexico and Latin America. This historic flight took place on board a Voisin biplane. On November 30, 1911, President Francisco I. Madero achieved another aviation first by being the world's inaugural head of state to fly on an airplane, piloted by Geo M. Dyott of Moisant International.

In 1915, the site opened as Balbuena Military Airport, equipped with five runways. The construction of a small civilian airport commenced in 1928. The first landing occurred on November 5, 1928, regular services began in 1929, and the official inauguration took place on May 15, 1931. On July 8, 1943, it gained international status, launching its initial international route to Los Angeles International Airport operated by Mexicana de Aviación.

From 1949 to 1951, the airport underwent an expansion that involved the construction of a new runway, designated as 05R-23L, an apron, a control tower, and administration offices. President Miguel Alemán inaugurated a renovated passenger terminal on November 19, 1952. By 1956, the airport operated with four runways: 05L-23R (2,720 metres (8,920 ft)), 05R-23L (3,000 metres (9,800 ft)), featuring electric lights for night-time service; 13-31 (2,300 metres (7,500 ft)), constructed to relieve the runway 14-32, which was too close to adjacent residential areas; and Runway 5 Auxiliary (759 metres (2,490 ft)).

On December 2, 1963, the airport's name changed from "Aeropuerto Central" (Central Airport) to "Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México" (Mexico City International Airport). In the 1970s, the two shortest runways (13/31 and 5 Auxiliary) were closed to facilitate the construction of a social housing complex in that area, named Unidad Fiviport. This initiative resulted in the airport's current configuration with two parallel runways. On November 24, 1978, the Mexico City Area Control Center (ACC) commenced its operations and has been in continuous service since then.

Expansion and decentralization

The airport, constrained by its location in a densely populated area, faced limitations in infrastructure expansion due to urban constraints, limited runway space, and congestion during peak hours. The proximity of the two parallel runways restricts fully simultaneous operations, contributing significantly to the constraint. The terminal underwent expansion on multiple occasions: in 1980, doubling its capacity with a single large terminal layout, and in 1990, separating domestic and international facilities for increased functionality. Renovations continued, and on April 11, 1994, a new International section became operational through a joint venture between Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) and Hakim Grupo Industrial, led by Alfredo Hakim Aburto at the time.

Mexicana, a key player in the country's aviation industry, initiated a decentralization effort to alleviate congestion at the airport. This effort involved relocating numerous flights to airports in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mérida. In 1994, all general aviation operations were moved to Toluca International Airport. Since then, only government, military, commercial, and specially authorized aircraft are allowed at the airport. In 2001, the passenger terminal expanded with the construction of a satellite building east of the terminal featuring eight gates.

Congestion challenges

The congestion challenges at Mexico City Airport became a prominent issue in Mexican politics in the early 2000s. Large infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation, have historically played a crucial role in presidential legacies due to centralized decision-making, their symbolic significance for progress, and leaders' aspirations to leave a lasting impact.

In 2002, President Vicente Fox's administration introduced an ambitious plan for a new expansive airport covering 5,000 hectares (12,000 acres) in the municipalities of Atenco and Texcoco. However, the Atenco project faced substantial opposition and controversy, especially from the Community Front in Defense of Land (Spanish: Frente del Pueblo en Defensa de La Tierra, FPDT), representing locals facing displacement. Protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in the cancellation of the new airport.

In response, the federal government in 2003 announced an extension to the existing terminal, expanding its service capacity from 20 million to 32 million passengers annually. The expansion covered 90,000 square metres (970,000 sq ft), with 48,000 square metres (520,000 sq ft) as new construction and 42,000 square metres (450,000 sq ft) as renovated areas. Renovations included new check-in areas, commercial spaces, a new departures concourse, and the construction of a long-distance bus terminal. The bus station provided access to a food court, the international arrivals and departures area, and a pedestrian bridge connecting to "The Peñón de los Baños" neighborhood.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, political initiatives aimed at establishing nearby airports such as Puebla, Toluca, Cuernavaca, and Querétaro as supplementary options for serving the Mexico City Area were introduced. This initiative, known as the Metropolitan Airport System, was promoted by the Federal Administration.

On November 15, 2007, Terminal 2 was inaugurated, significantly increasing the airport's capacity. All SkyTeam members, except Air France and KLM, relocated their operations to the new terminal. Officially opened in March 2008, Terminal 2 expanded the gates number by 40% and operational capacity by 15%. The inauguration ceremony was led by President Felipe Calderón.

Replacement controversy

In 2014, Mexican authorities declared the airspace around Mexico City Airport saturated, setting a maximum capacity of 61 operations per hour from 7:00 to 23:59. President Peña Nieto's administration reignited major airport infrastructure plans in the same year, introducing the Texcoco Airport project. Positioned as Mexico's most significant public infrastructure project in a century, it aimed to replace the ageing Mexico City International Airport by 2023, featuring a state-of-the-art terminal of 560,000 square metres (6,000,000 sq ft) and six runways. However, President López Obrador, then a candidate, campaigned against Texcoco Airport, leading to a divisive political discourse.

Upon assuming the presidency, López Obrador´s administration initiated a controversial referendum to gauge public opinion on completing Texcoco Airport or proceeding with the Santa Lucía expansion. Despite facing criticism for lacking official validity and result interpretation challenges, López Obrador's administration pursued the Santa Lucía expansion, resulting in Felipe Ángeles International Airport, officially opened in 2022. Positioned as the secondary airport of Mexico City, it has been slow to gain prominence.

On July 23, 2020, an extension of Terminal 2, named Pier L, was inaugurated, adding 7 gates to reduce the use of buses. However, in 2022, a declaration of airport saturation was issued from 5:00 to 23:59 for Terminal 1 and from 6:00 to 23:00 for Terminal 2, maintaining the 61 operations/hour limit. In 2023, the Mexican government attempted to decongest the airport by announcing the relocation of all cargo aircraft landing at Mexico City to Felipe Ángeles Airport to "protect the safety of the operations."

Facilities

The airport is located in the neighborhood of Peñón de los Baños within Venustiano Carranza, one of the sixteen boroughs of Mexico City, situated 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of Downtown Mexico City. Surrounded by the built-up areas of Gustavo A. Madero borough to the north and Venustiano Carranza borough to the west, south, and east, the airport's runways, running southwest–northeast, contribute to overflying problems and noise pollution over Mexico City during landings with a northeast wind.

Being a hot and high airport at an elevation 2,230 metres (7,320 ft) above sea level, any aircraft departing or arriving suffers from degraded performance due to the thinner air at such a high elevation. The field itself spans 747 hectares (1,850 acres), featuring two parallel runways, less than 300 metres (980 ft) apart, hindering simultaneous operations. Runway 05L/23R is 3,900 metres (12,800 ft) long, and runway 05R/23L is 3,950 metres (12,960 ft) long. North of the airfield houses Terminal 1, cargo facilities, maintenance hangars, and administration buildings. On its northern edge, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), a government-owned corporation, has its headquarters. South of the airfield, there is Terminal 2, maintenance hangars, police and Mexican Airspace Navigation Services facilities, and a military complex.

Air Force Base No. 19 (Spanish: Base Aérea Militar No. 19 Ciudad de México) (B.A.M. 19) is located on the airport grounds, adjacent to Terminal 2. It serves as the home for the High Command Special Air Transport Unit (UETAAM) managing a diverse fleet of aircraft that includes the Boeing 737, IAI 201, JetStar, King Air, SA 330J, and UH-60 Black Hawk. It also hosts the General Coordination of the Presidential Air Transport Unit. B.A.M. 19 features an apron and several hangars, one of which is called the Presidential Hangar, used for receiving state visits and presidential travels. In addition to these, it includes administrative buildings and various other facilities for accommodating Air Force personnel.

Mexico City Area Control Center (ACC) is one of four Area Control Centres in Mexico, with the others being the Mazatlán ACC, Monterrey ACC, and Mérida ACC. It operates under the Mexican Airspace Navigation Services, (Spanish: Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacio Aéreo Mexicano). Mexico ACC provides air traffic control services to aircraft within the Mexico Flight Data Region (FDRG). This region includes the central portion of Mexico. It shares its boundaries with six other Area Control Centers. To the north, it is adjacent to the Monterrey ACC, while to the east, it borders the Merida ACC. To the west, it borders the Mazatlán ACC, and to the south, it borders the Mazatlán Oceanic (MMFO).

The airport features 95 hardstands for aircraft, with 63 connected via Jet bridges to the terminals (33 in Terminal 1 and 30 in Terminal 2) and 32 remote stands. With an average of 1,056 daily operations, it holds the highest number for any two-runway airport globally.

Terminals

Terminal 1

Terminal 1, operational since 1958, has undergone several expansions, with significant upgrades in 1970, 1989, 1998, 2000, and 2004, resulting in a total surface area of 542,000 square metres (5,830,000 sq ft). The structure is an 800 metres (2,600 ft) long, two-story building, with international services located in the eastern section and domestic services in the west. The ground floor accommodates all arrival facilities, featuring 22 baggage claim carousels, domestic check-in areas for Volaris, Viva Aerobus, and Magnicharters (A1, A2, B, C, D, D1), as well as a commercial corridor along the street hosting snack kiosks, banks, souvenir shops and car rental services. The top floor comprises international check-in areas (F1, F2, F3), food courts, restaurants, multiple security checkpoints, and a 900 metres (3,000 ft) long departures concourse (gates 1 to 28) connected via a walkway to a satellite building (gates 29-36).

Gates 1 to 18 serve domestic flights, while gates 19 to 36 cater to international flights. Thirty-three gates are equipped with jetbridges, and additional 17 remote positions can be reached by bus. The terminal also houses a 110-room Hilton hotel, administrative offices, two long-distance bus terminals, and parking facilities available for 5,500 vehicles.

Terminal 1 features various VIP lounges, including the Admirals Club by American Airlines, Elite Lounge by MasterCard, Salón Centurión by American Express, Salón Beyond by Citibanamex, Televisa Vip Lounge, Terraza Elite, The Grand Lounge Elite, The Grand Lounge Elite 19, The Lounge by Global Network, United Club by United Airlines, and VIPort Lounge.

In the vicinity of the terminal, a variety of hotels are available. Hilton Aeropuerto México, Camino Real Aeropuerto México, Courtyard Mexico City Airport, and izZzleep Hotel have direct access from the terminal. Nearby airports include Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto México, Holiday Inn México Dalí Aeropuerto, City Express Aeropuerto Ciudad de México, Hotel Grand Prix, Hotel Riazor, NH Aeropuerto T2 México, and We Hotel Aeropuerto.

Terminal 2

Operations at Terminal 2 commenced on November 15, 2007, with inaugural flights by Delta Air Lines, followed by Aeroméxico, Copa, LAN, and Continental Airlines. Former President Felipe Calderón formally inaugurated Terminal 2 on March 26, 2008. Despite the initial plan for all SkyTeam member airlines to use the terminal, Air France and KLM opted to remain at Terminal 1. Currently, Terminal 2 serves as the main hub for Aeromexico. Due to capacity constraints at Terminal 2, some of Aeromexico's domestic services temporarily operated from Terminal 1 between 2021 and 2023.

The terminal spans a total surface area of 288,000 square metres (3,100,000 sq ft). Arrivals are handled on the lower level, featuring 15 baggage claim carousels, customs and immigration facilities, and an arrivals hall with a long-distance bus terminal. The upper level includes three check-in areas (L1-L3), two security checkpoints, and a main concourse connected to three piers. A mezzanine houses VIP lounges and administrative offices.

Three piers contain food courts, duty-free shops, and 30 gates (numbered 52 to 81), all equipped with jetbridges. The northern Pier hosts gates 52-62, and the southern pier has gates 63-75. In 2020, the terminal underwent its only expansion with the inauguration of Pier L, a new infrastructure located at the southern end, adjacent to the airport's boundary with Boulevard Fuerza Aérea Mexicana. Gates 75 to 81, dedicated to serving Aeromexico Connect services with narrow-body aircraft, are situated here. Due to the building's narrowness, it lacks commercial amenities. Additionally, there are 10 remote positions accessible via bus.

Terminal 2 provides passengers access to various VIP lounges, including HSBC Premier Lounge, by HSBC, Salón Beyond by Citibanamex, Salón Centurión by American Express, Salón Premier Nacional by Aeroméxico, Salón Premier Internacional by Aeroméxico, Terraza Premier by Heineken and Aeroméxico, and VIPort Lounge. Furthermore, hotel services are available, including a 287-room NH hotel, and izZzleep Hotel Terminal 2. The parking facilities accommodate 3,000 vehicles.

Airlines serving Terminal 2 include Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Chile, and LATAM Perú.

Inter-terminal transportation

The distance between the two terminals is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi). A bus shuttle service named "inter-terminal transportation" facilitates seamless transit between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Bus stops are conveniently positioned at entrance 6 of Terminal 1 and entrance 4 of Terminal 2.

Passengers holding a boarding pass, as well as technical and cabin crew, have the option to utilize the Aerotrén people mover system. Operating at a speed of 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph), the Aerotrén has a daily passenger capacity of 7,800.

Terminal 3 (proposed)

The intended construction of Terminal 3 faced cancellation amid the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The recovery of flight numbers to 2019 levels is anticipated to take several years. Furthermore, the opening of the Felipe Ángeles Airport in Mexico State in 2022 may pose challenges for the Mexico City Airport in achieving pre-pandemic levels.

Airlines and destinations

The airport connects 50 domestic and 64 international destinations in Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia. Aeromexico serves the largest number of cities from any Latin American hub (80), 46 domestic and 34 international. It also operates the most departures and most destinations from the airport followed by Volaris. The most prominent foreign airlines are United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Avianca Holdings.

Passenger

Notes:
: China Southern’s flights to Shenzhen make a refueling stop in Tijuana. However, the airline does not have traffic rights to transport passengers solely between Mexico City and Tijuana.

: Hainan Airlines’ flights to Beijing–Capital make a refueling stop in Tijuana. However, the airline does not have traffic rights to transport passengers solely between Mexico City and Tijuana.

: Turkish Airlines’ flights to Istanbul make a refueling stop in Cancun. However, the airline does not have traffic rights to transport passengers solely between Mexico City and Cancun.

Other services

Apart from the scheduled airlines mentioned earlier, Mexico City Airport is utilized by several other carriers for chartered flights, such as Sunwing Airlines.

Cargo

As of January 2022, Mexico City airport was served by 20 cargo airlines flying directly to Europe, Central, North and South America, the Middle East, Africa and East Asia.

By July 2023, cargo operations at Mexico City International Airport were shifted to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, following a government decree.

Destination maps

Mexico CityAcapulcoAguascalientesCampecheCancúnChetumalChihuahuaCiudad del CarmenCiudad JuárezCiudad ObregónCozumelCuliacánDurangoGuadalajaraHermosilloHuatulcoIxtapa/ZihuatanejoLa PazLeón/Del BajíoLos MochisManzanilloMatamorosMazatlánMéridaMexicaliMinatitlánMonterreyMoreliaNuevo LaredoOaxacaPuerto EscondidoPuerto VallartaQuerétaroReynosaSan José del CaboSan Luis PotosíTampicoTapachulaTepicTijuanaTorreónTuxtla GutiérrezVeracruzVillahermosaZacatecasclass=notpageimage| Domestic destinations from Mexico City International Airport Red = Year-round destination Blue = Future destination Green = Seasonal destination

Mexico CityToronto-PearsonVancouverMontréal-TrudeauAtlantaAustinBostonCharlotteChicago-O'HareDallas/Fort WorthDenverDetroitHouston–IntercontinentalLas VegasLos AngelesMiamiMinneapolis–St. PaulNewarkNew York–JFKOaklandOrlandoRaleigh/DurhamSacramentoSalt Lake CitySan FranciscoSeattle/TacomaSan AntonioTampaPhoenix–Sky HarborWashington–DullesGuatemala CityHavanaSan JoséManaguaSan Pedro SulaSan SalvadorSanto DomingoPanama Cityclass=notpageimage| North American, Central American and Caribbean destinations from Mexico City International Airport Red = Year-round destination Blue = Future destination Green = Seasonal destination

Buenos Aires-EzeizaBogotáMedellín-JMCCartagenaQuitoSão Paulo-GuarulhosSantiago de ChileLimaclass=notpageimage| South American destinations from Mexico City International Airport Red = Year-round destination Blue = Future destination Green = Seasonal destination

MadridParis-Charles de GaulleLondon-HeathrowFrankfurtMunichBarcelonaAmsterdamRome-FiumicinoIstanbulDubaiTokyo-NaritaSeoul-IncheonBeijing CapitalShenzhenclass=notpageimage| European and Asian destinations from Mexico City International Airport Red = Year-round destination Blue = Future destination Green = Seasonal destination

Statistics

In 2023, Mexico City International Airport handled 48,415,693 passengers, establishing itself as the busiest airport in Latin America. The recorded year-to-year increase was 4.7%. In the realm of international passengers, it ranks as the third busiest airport in Latin America, serving 16,332,734 passengers, following Cancún and Panama City-Tocumen airports.

In 2022, it was the eighth in North America, and the 20th globally in terms of total passengers.

With 387,450 aircraft movements in 2022, the airport ranked as the busiest in Latin America, 14th in North America, and 19th in the world, experiencing an 18.2% increase from the previous year. Averaging 1,061 daily aircraft movements, it stands out as the busiest two-runway airport globally.

Regarding cargo operations, in 2022 the airport held its position as the busiest in Mexico and the second busiest in Latin America, following El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, and the 54th globally, having moved 548,743.1 tons.

On a typical day, over 130,000 passengers travel through the airport, connecting to more than 100 destinations across three continents. Additionally, the airport significantly contributes to the economy of Mexico City, directly supporting 35,000 jobs and indirectly influencing another 15,000 in the immediate area.

Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.

Passenger statistics Year Domestic % change International % change Total % change 2023 32,082,959 1.2 16,332,734 12.1 48,415,693 4.7 2022 31,694,588 22.4 14,563,933 43.2 46,258,521 28.3 2021 25,883,725 59.9 10,172,889 75.5 36,056,614 64.0 2020 16,186,836 50.4 5,794,875 67.2 21,981,711 56.3 2019 32,660,267 7.1 17,647,782 2.6 50,308,049 5.5 2018 30,495,723 5.2 17,204,824 9.2 47,700,547 6.6 2017 28,979,063 4.8 15,753,355 12.1 44,732,418 7.2 2016 27,654,171 7.7 14,056,083 10.2 41,710,254 8.5 2015 25,674,622 12.8 12,758,456 10.9 38,433,078 12.2 2014 22,753,467 8.9 11,502,272 8.2 34,255,739 8.6 2013 20,900,194 6.2 10,634,444 8.4 31,534,638 6.9 2012 19,678,117 12.7 9,813,436 10.2 29,491,553 11.84 2011 17,461,438 12.03 8,907,423 4.26 26,368,861 9.28 2010 15,587,068 3.44 8,543,467 5.47 24,130,535 0.46 2009 16,142,330 3.8 8,100,726 14.1 24,243,056 7.5 2008 16,777,773 1.1 9,432,444 1.5 26,210,217 1.3 2007 16,592,422 4.7 9,289,240 4.6 25,881,662 4.7 2006 15,848,060 2.1 8,879,236 3.3 24,727,296 2.5 2005 15,523,755 - 8,591,797 - 24,115,552 -

Aircraft movements Year Domestic % change International % change Total % change 2023 251,434 7.7 111,837 2.7 363,271 6.2 2022 272,505 14.7 114,945 27.3 387,450 18.2 2021 237,570 33.2 90,319 47.7 327,889 36.9 2020 178,247 45.0 61,120 55.1 239,367 48.0 2019 323,858 1.9 136,129 3.4 459,987 0.3 2018 317,722 0.7 140,866 4.9 458,588 2.0 2017 315,409 3.6 134,255 11.1 449,664 0.3 2016 327,273 4.2 120,874 7.3 448,150 5.0 2015 314,098 3.5 112,663 9.5 426,761 5.0 2014 307,017 4.3 102,937 4.7 409,954 4.4 2013 294,279 3.3 98,287 5.9 392,566 3.9 2012 284,971 7.1 92,772 10.4 377,743 7.9 2011 265,986 2.51 84,046 4.50 350,032 2.98 2010 259,470 3.3 80,428 0.5 339,898 2.4 2009 268,252 3.3 80,054 10.3 348,306 5.0 2008 277,294 3.3 89,267 2.3 366,561 3.1 2007 286,821 6.3 91,340 6.4 378,161 6.3 2006 269,719 6.8 85,874 7.1 355,593 6.9 2005 252,472 - 80,151 - 332,623 -

Cargo

Year	Domestic	% change	International	% change	Total	% change
2023	72,921.4	16.3	374,965.8	22.5	447,887.2	21.5
2022	87,101.2	8.7	483,707.8	2.4	570,809.0	0.5
2021	95,377.9	19.9	472,401.2	21.0	567,779.1	18.4
2020	79,536.3	24.1	390,178.0	13.5	469,714.3	15.5
2019	104,832.5	3.0	451,309.8	6.0	556,142.3	4.4
2018	101,774.72	2.49	479,900.56	9.58	581,675.28	8.27
2017	99,303.94	8.15	437,958.75	11.83	537,262.69	11.13
2016	91,820.00	11.84	391,613.40	7.35	483,433.40	8.17
2015	82,100.42	21.92	364,814.69	10.14	446,915.11	12.13
2014	67,341.85	5.75	331,214.62	5.85	398,556.47	5.83
2013	63,678.54	19.05	312,911.31	1.71	376,589.85	5.15
2012	78,666.10	4.01	318,351.98	3.38	397,018.08	3.51
2011	81,953.37	3.41	329,502.22	6.90	411,455.59	4.68
2010	84,846.88	1.01	308,228.992	29.98	393,075.87	22.40
2009	83,999.43	13.47	237,134.01	15.01	321,133.44	14.61
2008	97,070.08	-	279,025.63	-	376,095.71	-

Busiest routes

Busiest domestic routes from Mexico City International Airport (2023)

Rank	Airport	Passengers	YoY % change	Ranking	Airline(s)
1	Quintana Roo, Cancún	2,126,132	9.32%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Magnicharters, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
2	Nuevo León, Monterrey	1,741,538	7.27%		Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
3	Jalisco, Guadalajara	1,515,894	3.64%		Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
4	Baja California, Tijuana	1,207,975	9.00%		Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
5	Yucatán, Mérida	951,912	2.33%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Magnicharters, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
6	Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta	568,541	14.81%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Magnicharters, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
7	Baja California Sur, San José del Cabo	542,565	12.34%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Magnicharters, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
8	Sonora, Hermosillo	491,417	5.94%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
9	Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez	462,712	2.69%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
10	Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez	446,703	1.35%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
11	Tabasco, Villahermosa	445,157	11.36%	1	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
12	Chihuahua, Chihuahua	395,240	4.80%	1	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
13	Oaxaca, Oaxaca	358,983	14.52%	1	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
14	Oaxaca, Huatulco	332,881	13.69%	1	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Magnicharters, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
15	Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido	332,500	10.68%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
16	Baja California, Mexicali	314,935	14.15%		Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
17	Sinaloa, Mazatlán	280,279	8.23%	1	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
18	Veracruz, Veracruz	274,949	24.45%	3	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
19	Sinaloa, Culiacán	263,059	3.36%	2	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
20	Coahuila, Torreón	256,820	6.41%		Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Viva Aerobus, Volaris

Busiest international routes from Mexico City International Airport (2023)

Rank	Airport	Passengers	YoY % change	Ranking	Airline(s)
1	Spain, Madrid	517,214	13.72%		Aeroméxico, Iberia
2	United States, Los Angeles	446,324	6.93%	1	Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, VivaAerobús, Volaris
3	United States, Houston–Intercontinental	440,510	2.02%	1	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
4	Colombia, Bogotá	426,646	3.81%		Aeroméxico, Avianca, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, Wingo
5	United States, Miami	383,288	7.25%		Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Volaris
6	United States, New York–JFK	365,180	24.25%	2	Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Viva Aerobus
7	United States, Chicago–O'Hare	342,261	9.12%	1	Aeroméxico, United Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
8	United States, Dallas/Fort Worth	280,069	7.26%	1	Aeroméxico Connect, American Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
9	France, Paris – Charles de Gaulle	265,654	5.34%		Aeroméxico, Air France
10	Panama, Panama City–Tocumen	248,588	6.07%		Copa Airlines
11	United States, Atlanta	242,665	16.45%		Delta Air Lines
12	United States, San Francisco	237,045	20.71%		Aeroméxico, United Airlines
13	Canada, Toronto-Pearson	210,108	15.09%		Aeroméxico, Air Canada
14	United States, Orlando	199,706	26.18%	3	Aeroméxico, Volaris
15	Costa Rica, San José (CR)	197,002	29.47%	5	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Avianca Costa Rica, Volaris Costa Rica
16	Guatemala, Guatemala City	193,991	25.13%	3	Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Volaris Costa Rica
17	United States, Las Vegas	193,658	13.01%	2	Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
18	Canada, Vancouver	175,347	12.18%		Aeroméxico, Air Canada
19	Netherlands, Amsterdam	162,156	0.03%	3	Aeroméxico, KLM
20	Peru, Lima	161,168	10.32%	6	Aeroméxico, LATAM Perú, Volaris

Ground transportation

Metrobús

Metrobus Line 4 provides an express service from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at the airport. This service links the airport directly to San Lázaro Metro Station. San Lázaro Metro Station is served by Metro lines 1, 9, and B, and it is adjacent to the TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente), the largest long-distance bus terminal in Mexico City. TAPO offers bus services to central, eastern, and southern Mexico.

Terminal 1 features a dedicated Metrobus stop at Entrance 7, and Terminal 2 has its Metrobus stop at Entrance 2. Passengers can access the service by obtaining a Metrobus Card from vending machines at these bus stops. The fare for the service to San Lázaro is 30 Mexican Pesos, and the cost of the card is 21 Mexican Pesos as of 2024. The Metrobus services operate from 5 am to midnight.

Service	Destinations	Operator
	San Lázaro Metro Station/(TAPO bus terminal)	Metrobús

Metro Station

Terminal 1 is connected to the Terminal Aérea metro station, a part of Mexico City Metro Line 5 running from Pantitlán metro station to Politécnico metro station. It is linked to Terminal 1 through an open-air walkway starting at Entrance 1. The Terminal Aérea Metro station is also served by Trolley bus line 4 in the northbound direction, following a route similar to Metro line 2 but branching towards El Rosario metro station.

Terminal 2, on the other hand, lacks a nearby metro station. However, it is an 800 metres (2,600 ft) walk from Pantitlán metro station, served by Metro lines 1, 5, 9, A, and various local buses.

Long-distance Buses

In Terminal 1, the Long-distance Bus terminal, also known as Terminal de Autobuses or Autobuses Foráneos, serves various bus companies. Access is from the international departures section on the top floor, near the food court, through an elevated walkway spanning the entrance road. Ticketing counters are available, and platforms can be reached via escalators to the ground floor.

Terminal 1 features a specific terminal for the ADO bus company, named ADO Llegadas Nacionales. Situated next to the Hotel Camino Real, it can be accessed through a secondary elevated walkway spanning the entrance road. This walkway originates from the national section on the top floor, in front of Hall B, above Entrance 4.

In Terminal 2, the long-distance bus terminal, labeled "Transportación Terrestre," is on the ground floor next to arrivals hall Q.

Bus service to Felipe Angeles Airport

Transportation options to Mexico City´s secondary airport, Felipe Ángeles International Airport, are limited. Shuttle services from Terminal 1 are provided by ADO and Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares.

Authorized taxis

Taxis are in operation in Terminals 1 and 2 and there are two models of service: ordinary service in a sedan-type vehicle for four passengers, and executive service in eight-passenger vans. There are five taxi groups in operation. These are the only taxis authorized by the Mexican Department of Transportation (SCT).

Accidents and incidents

• On September 26, 1949, a Mexicana de Aviacion DC-3 crashed into the Popocatepetl volcano while approaching the airport with clouds and turbulence en route from Tapachula; all 23 people on board, including actress Blanca Estela Pavon and senator Gabriel Ramos Millan, died.
• On April 10, 1968, an Aerovías Rojas Douglas R4D-3 crashed on approach, killing all eighteen people on board. The aircraft was operating a domestic scheduled passenger flight, which was the airline's inaugural flight from Aguascalientes International Airport to Mexico City.
• On October 31, 1979, Western Airlines Flight 2605 crash-landed. The crew of the DC-10 landed on a closed runway and hit construction vehicles on the runway. There were 73 fatalities (including one on the ground) and 16 survivors.
• On December 12, 1981, a bomb exploded inside the passenger cabin of a parked Aeronica Boeing 727-100, tearing a hole into the fuselage. The captain, two flight attendants, and a groundworker were injured. They had been on board the aircraft for pre-departure checks for a scheduled passenger flight to San Salvador and onwards to Managua's Augusto C. Sandino International Airport.
• An Aero California DC-9-15 overran a runway on July 21, 2004, during an intense storm at the airport. The torrential downpour was so intense that visibility was barely 50 meters. The control tower had to ask that several vehicles go out to comb the airfield to find out where the aircraft was. There were no victims, but the aircraft was scrapped. A woman died later due to a heart attack.
• On November 4, 2008, a Mexican Interior Ministry LearJet 45 crashed on approach around 18:45 local time. On board was Mexican Secretary of the Interior Juan Camilo Mouriño, who was a top aide to President Felipe Calderón. Mouriño was in charge of the fight against the drug trade in Mexico. Also on board was José Luis Santiago Vasconcelos, former assistant attorney general and current head of the federal technical secretariat for implementing the recent constitutional reforms on criminal justice and public security. All eight on board died, along with eight others on the ground. 40 others on the ground were injured. The crash was attributed to pilot error.
• On September 9, 2009, hijacked Aeroméxico Flight 576 landed at Mexico City International Airport from Cancún International Airport.
• On September 13, 2009, a Lufthansa Cargo McDonnell-Douglas MD-11 was damaged in a heavy landing. Post-landing inspection revealed that there were wrinkles in the fuselage skin and the nose gear was bent. According to a Lufthansa spokesman, the aircraft would be repaired and returned to full service.

See also

• List of the busiest airports in Mexico
• List of airports in Mexico
• List of airports by ICAO code: M
• List of busiest airports in North America
• List of the busiest airports in Latin America
• Transportation in Mexico
• Transport in Mexico City
• Tourism in Mexico
• List of Mexican military installations
• Mexican Air Force
• Valley of Mexico
• Greater Mexico City
• Mexico City Texcoco Airport
• Felipe Ángeles International Airport

References

1. "Airport information for MMMX". World Aero Data. Archived from the original on March 5, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) Data current as of October 2006. Source: DAFIF.
2. Airport information for MEX at Great Circle Mapper. Source: DAFIF (effective October 2006).
3. ^ "AICM in Numbers, December 2023" (PDF). Mexico City International Airport. January 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
4. Tomás Serebrisky. "Airport Economics in Latin America and the Caribbean". The World Bank. Archived from the original on January 30, 2022. Retrieved January 30, 2022.
5. ^ "2022 Airport Traffic Report" (PDF). Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. April 2023. p. 32. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 28, 2023.
6. Elizalde, Triunfo; Vargas, Rosa Elvira (October 5, 2006). "Decretará Fox que el AICM se denomine Benito Juárez" [President Vicente Fox decrees official name for Mexico City Airport]. La Jornada (in Spanish). Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. 
7. ^ Cantera, Sara (June 11, 2020). "IATA respalda cancelación de la Terminal 3 y suspensión de adquisición del Aeropuerto de Toluca". El Universal (México).
8. "Mexican-americans in aviation online exhibition". San Diego Air & Space Museum. Archived from the original on August 7, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
9. "Conquistador of the Sky: A History of Aviation in Latin America". Project MUSE. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
10. "Mexico's 100 years of flying taking off to new heights!". The Catalist. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
11. "A brief Mexican History aviation". Mexconnect. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
12. "One more year of Mexico City International Airport (In Spanish)". Contenido. Archived from the original on September 7, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
13. ""Breve Historia del Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México", Mexico City International Airport" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
14. ^ "Historia de la aviación en México (in Spanish)". Colegio de Pilotos de México. Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
15. Obras. 1993. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
16. "A New Airport for Mexico City?". MexDFmagazine. Archived from the original on June 5, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
17. Historic photo at FlyAPM site
18. P, Fernando Rosique; Ozorno, Oscar Esquinca (May 25, 2013). "Sistema Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México (in Spanish)". Esquinca, Rosique. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
19. "Hakim Grupo Industrial El caballo de". Expansión. September 20, 2011. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
20. Sherman, Paul (October 10, 1993). "TRAVEL ADVISORY; Mexico City Adds Terminal To Airport". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
21. "DECRETO que establece el cierre del Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México Benito Juárez (in Spanish)". Diario Oficial de la Federación. January 13, 1994. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
22. "Iniciaría en febrero la ampliación del AICM (in Spanish)". El Universal. January 3, 2000. Archived from the original on February 3, 2016. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
23. Thompson, Ginger (August 3, 2002). "Mexico drops planned airport after protests from peasants". The New York Times. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
24. "Mexico City inaugurates new airport terminal". USA Today. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
25. "DECLARATORIA de saturación en el campo aéreo del Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México". DOF - Diario Oficial de la Federación. Diario Oficial de la Federación. September 29, 2014. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
26. "New Mexico City International Airport". CAPA Centre for Aviation. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. 
27. Gomez, Veronica; Stargardter, Gabriel (September 4, 2014). "UPDATE 1-Mexico eyes foreign builder, local partners for $9 bln airport". Reuters. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. 
28. Uphoff, Rainer (September 4, 2014). "Mexico to open new mega airport in 2018". Flightglobal. Madrid. Archived from the original on September 5, 2014. 
29. "Ready for landing: Mexico City airport expansion could make it one of largest in world", Christian Science Monitor, 2014-09-03
30. Luhnow, David (September 2, 2014). "Mexico Plans New $9.2 Billion Airport". The Wall Street Journal. (subscription required)
31. Alissa Walker (September 3, 2014). "Mexico City's New Mega-Airport Will Collect Its Own Energy and Water". Gizmodo. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
32. "Close". Archived from the original on October 31, 2018.
33. Nensel, Mark (December 12, 2018). "IATA: Cancellation of Mexico airport construction to cost over $5 billion". Air Transport World. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
34. "RESOLUCIÓN por la que se declara la saturación de los edificios terminales del Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez de la Ciudad de México". DOF - Diario Oficial de la Federación. Diario Oficial de la Federación. March 3, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2023.
35. "Mexico expands new airport after forced move of cargo flights". Reuters. June 6, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
36. "Unplanned airport planning in Mexico City". Academia Education. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
37. "Disgruntled neighbours by noise pollution in Mexico City". Quadratin. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
38. "ASA's address". Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
39. Retrieved on December 20, 2011. "Av.602 No.161 Col.Zona Federal Aeropuerto Internacional Ciudad de México Delegación Venustiano Carranza, C.P.15620, México D.F."
40. "Estrenan Base Aérea Militar con regreso del Avión Presidencial". Excélsior (in Spanish). July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
41. "Bases Aéreas. Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional".
42. "AICM cancels Aeromexico's operations at T1". MexicoNow. August 3, 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
43. "Entra en operaciones el Dedo "L" de la T2 del AICM".
44. "Terminals Mexico City Benito Juarez Airport". mexico-airport.com.
45. Aeromexico. "Aeromexico, The Airline Serving The Largest Number Of Cities From A Hub In Latin America". www.prnewswire.com (Press release).
46. "Aeromexico announces new flight between Mexico City and Cartagena: New route in 2025". Transponder1200 (in Spanish). September 2024. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
47. "Aeromexico NW24 US Network Additions". Aeroroutes. Retrieved July 22, 2024.
48. "Aeromexico adds new nonstop flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor". ABC 15 Arizona. October 22, 2024. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
49. ^ "Aeromexico 2024 US Network Expansion Update – 29OCT23". Aeroroutes. October 2023. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
50. "AEROMEXICO TENTATIVELY MOVES SEOUL SERVICE RESUMPTION TO AUGUST 2024". Aeroroutes.com. October 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
51. "Aeromexico Already Up-Gauging TPA-MEX". routesonline.com. August 2024. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
52. "Aeromexico to temporarily suspend flights to Quito, Ecuador". May 27, 2024.
53. "Aeroméxico makes adjustments to its international itineraries for the winter". Transponder1200 (in Spanish). July 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
54. "Aeroméxico flight from AICM to Morelia returns: Sectur Michoacán". CB Digital (in Spanish). April 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
55. "Aeromexico Adds Raleigh-Durham Services". Airline Geeks. November 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
56. "China Southern Airlines to launch Shenzhen-Mexico nonstop route". Business Traveler. May 1, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
57. "HAINAN AIRLINES RESUMES MEXICO SERVICE FROM JULY 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved June 23, 2024.
58. "China to Mexico: First direct flight in 4 years touches down at AICM". Mexico News Daily. May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
59. "El Gobierno cierra por decreto el aeropuerto de la Ciudad de México a los vuelos de carga" (in Spanish). El País. February 3, 2023.
60. "Decreto que establece el cierre del Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México Benito Juárez, para las operaciones del servicio al público de transporte aéreo que se indica" (in Spanish). February 2, 2023. Archived from the original on May 20, 2023.
61. "ACI World confirms top 20 busiest airports worldwide". July 19, 2023.
62. "Benito Juárez International airport - Economic and social impacts". Ecquants. Archived from the original on October 31, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2013.
63. ^ "Statistics Mexico City Airport". Mexico City International Airport. Retrieved January 20, 2024.
64. ^ "Estadística operacional por origen-destino / Traffic Statistics by City Pairs" (in Spanish). Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil. January 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
65. "Metrobus". Mexico City International Airport. September 11, 2013. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
66. "Blanca Estela Pavón y el campesino que informó su muerte a orillas del Popo". August 24, 2017.
67. "XA-GEV Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Archived from the original on November 23, 2011. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
68. "WA2605 Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
69. "Flight WA2605 crash photo". Air Disaster. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
70. "Commercial airline bombing history". Aerospaceweb. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
71. "XA-BCS Accident description (in Spanish)". La Jornada. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
72. "Plane crash kills Mexico's deputy leader". Time. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
73. "Bolivian man acted alone in Mexico hijacking". CNN. Archived from the original on March 28, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
74. "Accident: Lufthansa Cargo MD11 at Mexico City on Sep 13th 2009, hard landing". The Aviation Herald. Retrieved October 11, 2009.
75. "Lufthansa Cargo wird D-ALCO in Stand setzen". aero.de/Aviation Media & IT (in German). October 16, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2009.

External links

• Media related to Mexico City International Airport at Wikimedia Commons
• Official Website
• Aeronautical chart and airport information for MMMX at SkyVector
• Current weather for MMMX at NOAA/NWS
• Mexico City International Airport information at Great Circle Mapper
• Accident history for MEX at Aviation Safety Network
• Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (in Spanish)
• Independent information about Mexico City Airport
• Informational Guide to MEX - Non-Official
• Independent Mexico city Airport website
• Aeromexico travel Information - Mexico City International Airport

v t e Transportation in Mexico City
Metro	Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 Line 4 Line 5 Line 6 Line 7 Line 8 Line 9 Line A Line B Line 12
Metrobús	Line 1 Line 2 Line 3 Line 4 Line 5 Line 6 Line 7
Mexibús	Line I Line II Line III Line IV
Others	Ferrocarril Suburbano () Tren Ligero () Cablebús () Trolebús () Centro de transferencia modal () Ecobici () Mexicable () Muévete en Bici Pesero () Rickshaws
Projects	El Insurgente
Former	Streetcars
Administration	Red de Transporte de Pasajeros () Servicio de Transportes Eléctricos () Tarjeta de Movilidad Integrada ()

v t e Mexico City
Topics	Administrative divisions Boroughs Neighborhoods Barrios Mágicos Airport Architecture Skyscrapers Cuisine Downtown Folk art Gentrification Government Constituent Assembly Federal District buildings Heads of government Law enforcement Legislative Assembly History Timeline Metropolitan area Parking Pollution Street vendors Transportation Water management

• Mexico
• Aviation

• Mexico City International Airport
• WAAS reference stations
• Transportation in Mexico City
• Airports in Mexico
• Airports established in 1929
• 1929 establishments in Mexico
• Benito Juárez
• Buildings and structures in Mexico City
• Venustiano Carranza, Mexico City