The Mexican Navy is taking over control of Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) in a move framed by “national security” concerns.

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has formally approved the transfer of the airport alongside two other companies, Mexico City Airport Group (GACM) and Mexico City Airport Services (SACM). The move is expected to happen within the next 60 days.

Mexico’s Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation Ministry (SICT) was previously in charge of the entities. However, the Navy has been overseeing security and customs at MEX for the past year. It will now assume control of all operations, including baggage handling and cleaning.

A key reason cited for the management switch is the “systemic neglect” of terminal infrastructure, resulting in deficiencies to service delivery, improper utilization of areas and equipment, and lapses in safety measures.

Mexico’s president also hopes the military’s involvement in airport management will tackle wider problems of drug smuggling and illegal immigration.

MEX is the country’s busiest gateway, handling more than 46 million passengers in 2022. This represented a year-on-year increase of 28%, with domestic traffic accounting for 31.7 million passengers and international for 14.6 million.

In February 2023, Mexico’s government published an official decree mandating the closure of cargo operations at the airport by July. Obrador said operations should be transferred to Mexico City Felipe Ángeles International Airport, which opened last year. The deadline for airlines to cease cargo operations at MEX has since been extended to September.