Just six months ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—set to take place across Mexico, the United States, and Canada—Mexico’s airports rank near the bottom in terms of air traffic operations and passenger flow compared to those in other host cities.
According to an analysis by A21 using data from Cirium, the Airports Council International (ACI), and official sources, Mexico City International Airport (AICM) ranks 11th in number of operations among the 16 airports connected to World Cup host cities. Guadalajara’s airport comes in 13th, while Monterrey is at the bottom of the list, in 16th place.
Host City Overview
Mexico has three host cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. Canada has two: Toronto and Vancouver. The United States has eleven, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and New York–New Jersey.
Over 6.5 million people are expected to attend matches across the 16 stadiums, with Mexico City hosting five games, including the opening ceremony on June 11, 2026—placing high demand on AICM and nearby airports.
Air Operations in 2024
In 2024, AICM recorded 322,427 operations, falling behind airports like Houston, San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle. Topping the list is Atlanta (Hartsfield-Jackson) with 766,787 operations, followed by Dallas/Fort Worth with 743,203 and Los Angeles with 514,031.
AICM has seen a reduction in operational capacity, decreasing from 61 to 44 operations per hour in recent years as part of a strategy to shift traffic to the new Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), inaugurated in 2022. So far, no increase in slot capacity has been confirmed for the World Cup.
Guadalajara International Airport reported 154,862 operations, while Monterrey had 112,584—both ranking among the lowest
Passenger Mobility
In terms of passenger traffic for 2024, AICM ranks 10th with 45.3 million passengers. Guadalajara ranks 14th with 17.8 million, and Monterrey is second to last with 13.5 million, ahead of only Kansas City, which saw 12.1 million.
At the top of the ranking, U.S. airports dominate. Atlanta moved 108 million passengers, followed by Dallas/Fort Worth with 87.8 million, and Los Angeles with 76.5 million. In Canada, Toronto Pearson transported 46.8 million, surpassing AICM, while Vancouver reached 26.2 million.
Mexico’s Preparations
Despite these contrasts, Mexico continues modernization and expansion efforts at its main airports. AICM is undergoing renovation, while AIFA—as well as Toluca and Cuernavaca airports—will serve as support hubs to accommodate the expected surge during the World Cup. Guadalajara and Monterrey are also being upgraded as part of the national airport infrastructure plan for 2026.