Mexican Authorities Opt To Cut Hourly Operations At Mexico City

Mexico City International Airport
Credit: DAVID GANNON / AFP / Getty Images

Mexico’s government has officially declared that operations at Mexico City International Airport will be cut after the country’s air service provider determined further reductions are necessary. 

The decision was published in the Aug. 31 edition of the Official Federal Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federacion). 

Mexico’s government said Navigation Services in the Mexican Airspace (SENEAM) conducted a study that concluded a maximum of 43 operations per hour would guarantee “adequate separation between aircraft, both in the airspace and in the airfield, in addition to allowing a better service to be provided to users.” 

The latest reductions follow airlines agreeing in 2022 to decrease hourly operations from 61 per hour to 52. 

SENEAM’s determination was made by taking a sample of typical operations—arrivals and departures carried out on a normal day of operation. 

Data from Aviation Week’s CAPA shows that Aeromexico is Mexico City’s largest operator measured by system movements during peak time for the week of Aug. 28 with a share of 62%. Viva Aerobus has a 15% share followed by Volaris’ share of 15%. 

Prior to the government’s decree, IATA urged Mexican regulators to engage with the industry before making any unilateral decisions regarding operations at Mexico City International Airport.

Lori Ranson

Lori covers North American and Latin airlines for Aviation Week and is also a Senior Analyst for CAPA - Centre for Aviation.