The General Director of the Grupo Aeroportuario de la Ciudad de México, Admiral (Ret.) Juan José Padilla Olmos, presented today the government’s plans to enhance the airport infrastructure in the metropolitan area of the capital in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This announcement took place during the traditional morning press conference of the Mexican Presidency, where it was emphasized that the goal is to ensure that the facilities are “worthy representatives of Mexico” during the event. The AICM (Mexico City International Airport-MEX), along with the airports of Toluca, Cuernavaca, and Felipe Ángeles International Airport, is considered strategic for hosting the World Cup.
According to Padilla Olmos, the AICM has undergone several transformations in its 97-year history, but none as significant as what is planned for this occasion, aiming not only to serve the World Cup but also to benefit passengers and tourists after the event. The plans also include improvements in environmental sustainability, with the aim of obtaining a green airport certification by 2026.
The projected budget for the works at AICM amounts to 8 billion Mexican pesos (approximately 386 million USD), which, as highlighted, will not come from federal funding but will be self-generated by the airport administration.
The program will focus on three areas: aesthetic remodeling, functional remodeling, and maintenance and conservation, encompassing a total of 75 projects and services, along with 24 acquisitions to modernize electromechanical, safety, and system equipment.
The ground-side remodeling will include architectural modernization of terminals 1 and 2, expansion of last-minute waiting areas and flow separation corridors, improvements to roadways, an 82% expansion of terminal 2 parking capacity, and equipment upgrades.
On the airside, three rapid exit taxiways angled at 25° will be built to serve runway 05R for landings, thereby improving runway occupancy times and increasing capacity. Additional work will include upgrades to runways, electrical substations, and visual aids.
Administrative processes for the program have already begun, and construction is expected to start between April and June of this year, with completion projected between April and May 2026. Airport operations will not be affected during this period, as the works will be carried out in stages.
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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