As of the first half of the year, Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) recorded 3.5 million passengers, according to its General Director, General Isidoro Pastor Román, who stated that the figure could reach close to 8 million by the end of 2025, along with an increase in routes.
In an interview, Pastor Román explained that, according to projections from the Master Development Program (PMD), 7.3 million passengers were expected for this year; however, he is confident the goal will be surpassed. He clarified that the incorporation of new aircraft by Mexicana will not impact this year’s passenger growth, as the state airline’s operations will remain unchanged—even though, as previously announced on July 1 during the delivery of the first E195-E2, the second aircraft will arrive in August, with three more by year’s end.
The first two aircraft are expected to begin operations once certified by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), with the first entering service in August and the second in November. The remaining three will begin flying in 2026, the year in which seven Embraer jets from Brazil are expected to arrive. The final eight aircraft will be delivered in 2027, completing the goal of a 20-aircraft fleet.
“Obviously, the increase in passengers and routes will begin to be seen in 2026,” said Pastor Román, noting that the PMD’s conservative scenario has already been exceeded.
According to the PMD, AIFA was expected to surpass 8 million passengers in 2025, with projections rising to 11 million in 2026. Pastor Román added that, with the 2026 World Cup, passengers may prefer flying from AIFA over other airports in the Mexico Valley once they become familiar with the terminal’s services.
Regarding new routes, Pastor Román highlighted six new routes from Viva Aerobus and the return of Copa Airlines. By the end of the year, AIFA will offer 15 international routes.
He expressed optimism for increased traffic related to the World Cup, although no formal requests have been made—just preliminary mentions of potential charter flights from China, Germany, Florida, and Philadelphia.
Suburban Train Connection
Pastor Román also announced that the Suburban Train line connecting Buenavista to AIFA is expected to begin operations in December.
“It could be a little earlier. The President visited a few weeks ago, and military engineers explained that the project is 90% complete. The issue is a 2- to 3-kilometer stretch facing social conflicts.”
Construction had been halted between Tultepec and Tultitlán due to local residents’ complaints about structural damages to homes and demands for infrastructure improvements. Work has since resumed on that stretch, and operations are expected to begin by December 2025.