Jazmin Li
Mexico City International Airport, officially named Benito Juárez International Airport, has been the subject of several safety concerns. While some travellers have reported feeling safe within the airport premises, others have highlighted issues with airport infrastructure, navigation, and transportation to and from the airport. In addition, there have been reports of scams and safety concerns in the surrounding area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Some travellers have reported feeling safe inside the airport. However, others have noted issues with disorganization, long queues, and inadequate facilities. There are police and video surveillance systems in place. |
| Navigation | There have been reports of GNSS signal loss, which can lead to navigational errors and system failures. The airport is surrounded by high terrain, which can further complicate navigation. |
| Airspace Management | Pilots and airlines have raised concerns about an increase in dangerous incidents in Mexico City's airspace since the addition of a second airport. This includes ground proximity warning system alerts and near collisions. |
| Transportation | Taxis can be dangerous in Mexico City. It is recommended to use airport taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber for safer travel to and from the airport. |
| Scams and Theft | Travellers should be cautious of scams, such as receiving counterfeit money from airport ATMs, and theft, as there have been reports of groups targeting travellers outside the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Navigational issues due to GNSS signal loss
Mexico City Airport, officially known as Benito Juarez International Airport, has been the subject of recent safety concerns due to reported incidents of GNSS signal loss. GNSS, or Global Navigation Satellite System, is crucial for aircraft navigation and its loss can result in navigational errors and system failures. This issue is particularly critical at Mexico City Airport due to the airport's high-altitude location and surrounding terrain.
The airport's proximity to towering mountains and an active volcano makes GNSS interference a significant concern. GNSS signal loss can impact other safety-critical systems, such as the EGPWS (Electronic Ground Proximity Warning System), which helps prevent controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) accidents. Mexico City Airport's high altitude and surrounding terrain already present challenges for aircraft navigation, and GNSS signal loss only exacerbates these challenges.
The loss of GNSS signal can have far-reaching consequences. Firstly, it can lead to navigational issues, as aircraft may lose their primary means of determining their position, course, and speed. This can result in deviations from the intended flight path, potentially bringing aircraft too close to obstacles or other aircraft. Additionally, GNSS is often used for precise timing and synchronisation of various aircraft systems, and its loss can disrupt these functions, causing a cascade of system failures.
Furthermore, GNSS signal loss can affect runway alerting systems, such as runway overrun protection, which helps prevent accidents during take-off and landing. It can also impact the position reporting function of ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), which is crucial for air traffic control. Without accurate position reporting, air traffic controllers may struggle to maintain safe separation between aircraft, potentially increasing the risk of mid-air collisions.
To address these navigational issues due to GNSS signal loss, pilots and air traffic controllers must be prepared to implement alternative procedures. This may include relying on backup navigation systems, such as VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range) or NDB (Non-Directional Beacon) navigation, as well as utilising visual navigation techniques when possible. Additionally, enhancing GNSS signal coverage and resilience through infrastructure improvements or satellite-based augmentation systems can help mitigate the impact of signal loss.
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Inefficient airport management
Mexico City International Airport, officially named Benito Juárez International Airport, has been criticised for its inefficient management, resulting in concerns about safety and negative experiences for travellers.
One significant issue is the airport's lack of sufficient gates to accommodate arriving planes. As a result, many planes are parked in remote positions, requiring passengers to be transported to the terminal by bus, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for those with connecting flights. This inefficiency in airport management not only causes delays but also impacts the overall travel experience, potentially affecting travellers' plans and schedules.
Furthermore, travellers have reported long queues and delays at immigration due to an insufficient number of agents to review passports. This inefficiency can significantly impact travellers' itineraries, especially those with connecting flights or tight schedules. The time required to clear immigration and customs at Mexico City Airport can be substantially longer than at other airports in the region, with some travellers reporting delays of up to 2.5 hours.
In addition to these operational challenges, there have been concerns about the safety of the airport's airspace. Pilots and airlines have raised alarms about an increase in potentially dangerous incidents since the redesign of Mexico City's airspace to accommodate a second airport. These incidents include ground proximity warning system alerts, with at least 17 occurrences in the last year, according to the International Air Transport Association. The complexity of managing two airports simultaneously has led to concerns about the safety and efficiency of the airspace.
While some travellers have praised the efficiency and safety of the airport, the combination of these issues highlights areas where management can improve to enhance the overall traveller experience and ensure the safety of its passengers.
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Safety concerns regarding Mexico City's airspace
Mexico City Airport, officially known as Benito Juarez International Airport, has been the subject of several safety concerns in recent years. While some travellers have expressed generally positive sentiments about the airport's safety, citing the presence of police, video surveillance, and efficient staff, others have highlighted specific issues that raise questions about the overall safety of the airport and its surrounding airspace.
One notable concern is the airport's capacity and infrastructure. Some travellers have described the airport as "over-saturated" and lacking sufficient gates to accommodate arriving planes. This has resulted in planes being parked in remote positions, requiring passengers to be transported to the terminal by bus, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for those with tight connection times. The airport has also been criticised for long queues due to an insufficient number of immigration agents, which can further contribute to delays and a negative travel experience.
However, the most pressing safety concerns regarding Mexico City's airspace have been raised by pilots and airlines. In 2022, there were reports of a significant increase in potentially dangerous incidents in the city's airspace since the addition of a second airport, Felipe Ángeles International Airport. This redesign of the airspace has led to operational challenges and an increase in ground proximity warning system alerts, indicating a heightened risk of aircraft collisions. These warnings are issued when planes are at risk of crashing if immediate action is not taken by the flight crew.
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have both issued safety bulletins highlighting these incidents and calling for improvements in airspace management. The Mexican pilots association has also requested a meeting with Mexican aviation authorities to address the concerns of pilots and ensure the safety and efficiency of the airspace.
Furthermore, Mexico City Airport's proximity to high terrain and the presence of Mount Popocatépetl, an 18,000-foot volcano, introduce additional challenges. The loss of GNSS signal in the terminal area has been reported, which can lead to navigational errors and system failures. This issue is exacerbated by the airport's high-altitude location and surrounding terrain. The combination of these factors has raised concerns about the potential impact on critical safety systems, such as terrain clearance and runway alerting systems.
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Taxi services can be unsafe
While opinions vary on the safety of the Mexico City International Airport, with some people claiming that it is safe, and others advising to avoid it, one issue that is consistently mentioned is the safety of taxi services in the city.
One source mentions that "taxis can be dangerous in Mexico City", and advises that travellers ask their hotel for a recommendation on which taxi service to use. Another source recommends that travellers "take an Uber", as these are considered safer than regular taxis.
The safety issues with taxi services in Mexico City are not limited to the vehicles themselves, but also include the drivers. There have been reports of taxi drivers being involved in scams, such as giving travellers counterfeit money when they exchange currency. Additionally, there are concerns about the safety of the city's airspace, with pilots and airlines raising concerns about an increase in potentially dangerous incidents since the opening of a second airport. This includes issues with the ground proximity warning system, which has led to near collisions.
Due to these concerns, it is recommended that travellers research and plan their transportation options before arriving in Mexico City, especially if they will be arriving at night. This could include arranging for a safe airport pickup through their accommodation or using a ride-sharing app like Uber, which is generally considered safer than flagging down a taxi on the street.
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Airport ATM dispensed counterfeit money
While Mexico City Airport itself does not appear to be especially dangerous, there have been reports of travellers receiving counterfeit money from airport ATMs. However, other sources claim that they have never heard of ATMs in Mexico, or anywhere else, giving out counterfeit money.
One source suggests that the ATM machines in the airport terminal are very official-looking and it is unlikely that they would be fake. However, it is always good to be cautious of card skimmers, which are a problem in Mexico and the US. If an ATM does seem suspicious, there are plenty of other ATMs to choose from in the airport.
It is recommended that you check with your bank or card issuer before travelling to ensure your card will work in Mexican ATMs and to have a backup method of obtaining cash in an emergency. It is also worth checking if your home bank has partnerships with any Mexican banks, as this could allow you to avoid some ATM fees. Some banks, like HSBC and Citigroup, offer free ATM withdrawals for their customers at their branches in Mexico.
It is also worth noting that withdrawal limits can vary depending on your bank and account type, so it is best to check with your bank before your trip. Using ATMs to withdraw pesos is often the most cost-effective way to exchange currency in Mexico, as they typically offer better exchange rates than currency exchange offices. However, be aware of potential fees from your home and Mexican banks.
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Frequently asked questions
The Mexico City airport is considered to be generally safe. There is a strong police presence, video surveillance, and tight security. However, travellers should be cautious of pickpockets and scams, such as counterfeit money from airport ATMs.
The Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City has been criticised for its inefficiency and poor service quality. Travellers have reported long queues, insufficient gates for planes, and time-consuming baggage and customs procedures. These issues can increase the risk of missing connecting flights.
Pilots and airlines have raised concerns about the management of Mexico City's airspace, particularly after the opening of a second airport. There have been reports of increased incidents, including ground proximity warning system alerts and planes landing with low fuel due to unexpected circling or diversions.
Some travellers suggest using alternative airports in Latin America, such as those in Panama or El Salvador, for connections to other cities in the region. These smaller airports may offer faster transit without the need to go through immigration or baggage claim. However, others have shared positive experiences at the Mexico City airport, highlighting efficient staff despite the challenges.
