Mexican airports seek increased flight slots to meet demand

At least seven airports in Mexico, including major terminals, are seeking to increase their flight slots from aviation authorities to meet growing industry demand. The Spanish consulting firm ALG is currently advising several terminals, including large hubs, on this process.

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is working to implement 46 authorized slots this year. Admiral Juan José Padilla Olmos, the terminal’s general director, stated that the airport must first demonstrate it can successfully manage these 46 slots and the approximately 2 million passengers they represent before seeking further capacity. Future increases will depend on infrastructure capacity studies, navigation equipment, and updated safety procedures.

The allocation of these slots is managed by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SCT). Aeromexico has already noted receiving additional slots for the winter season as a result of these increases. Meanwhile, AICM continues Phase 2 of remodeling works, specifically focusing on drainage improvements to prevent operational halts caused by flooding.