Mexico City Airport: Safe Or Not?

Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juárez International Airport, is the main hub for both domestic and international flights in Mexico City. The airport has a reputation for issues such as illegal migration, corruption, and stolen luggage. In addition, the airport has faced challenges with air traffic control, with reports of aircraft landing with low fuel and an increase in diversions. However, the Mexican Navy has been working to improve security and address these issues, and the airport offers various amenities and services for travellers, including duty-free shopping, dining options, currency exchange, and comfortable lounges.

The Mexican military takes over the Mexico City airport

Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport has long been associated with a host of issues, including major drug shipments, illegal migration, corruption, mismanagement, and security concerns. In light of these problems, the Mexican government has decided to place the airport under the control of the military, specifically the navy, with the aim of addressing these issues and improving overall operations.

The Mexican military's involvement in the management of the airport is part of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's broader strategy to tackle corruption and mismanagement. This move has sparked concerns about the blurring of lines between military and civilian domains. Nevertheless, the navy's presence at the airport is intended to be more subtle, with only 1,500 marines deployed for security purposes. The remaining airport staff will consist of civilians who will operate under stricter rules and regulations enforced by the military.

The Mexican military has been increasingly entrusted with non-traditional tasks since López Obrador's election in 2018. They have taken on immigration duties, managed ports and customs, and even ventured into infrastructure development, tourism, and plant nursery operations. The military's expansion into airport management is part of a broader plan, with López Obrador intending to place a dozen airports under military or naval control by the end of his term in 2024.

The military's presence at the Mexico City International Airport is expected to bring about several changes. The navy has already improved security, shut down illegal businesses, enhanced inspections, and reduced incidents of stolen luggage. However, concerns remain about the military's ability to resolve all the airport's issues, particularly those related to flight delays and problems with luggage handling.

While the military intervention may address some security issues, it is uncertain if it will resolve all the operational challenges. Experts believe that Mexican aviation requires more comprehensive reforms, including increased funding, enhanced training, and improved inspection regimes, to boost its global competitiveness.

The airport's reputation for stolen luggage and mismanaged schedules

The Mexico City International Airport, also known as Benito Juárez International Airport, has a reputation for being unsafe, particularly regarding stolen luggage and mismanaged airline schedules.

The airport has faced issues with corruption, mismanagement, and security concerns. In 2023, the Mexican military took control of the airport to address these problems. The navy took charge of security, customs, immigration, handling luggage, and cleaning bathrooms. Despite these efforts, complaints about flight delays and problems with luggage persist.

The airport's proximity to another airport, Felipe Ángeles International Airport, has also caused challenges for air traffic control, leading to an increase in diversions and reports of low fuel due to unexpected holding patterns.

Travellers have reported stressful experiences at the airport, including crowded departure halls, last-minute gate changes, and a lack of clear signage. Some have also raised concerns about the safety of the surrounding neighbourhoods, with warnings of "follow-home crime".

To ensure a smooth experience at the Mexico City International Airport, it is recommended to plan ahead, allow ample time for immigration and customs procedures, and stay connected through the airport's WiFi network and mobile charging stations.

The airport's proximity to another airport, causing control challenges for ATC

Mexico City International Airport, officially known as Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), is the primary gateway to Mexico City. It is located in the eastern part of the city and serves as the main hub for both domestic and international flights. MEX provides a wide range of amenities to cater to travellers' needs, including duty-free shopping, diverse dining options, currency exchange services, and comfortable lounges.

However, the proximity of MEX to another airport, Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), has created challenges for air traffic control (ATC). AIFA, also known as Santa Lucía Airport, is located approximately 35 kilometres north of Mexico City centre and serves as a secondary airport. The recent opening of AIFA has resulted in a more complex airspace for ATC to manage, with both airports being only about 40 kilometres apart. This proximity has led to an increase in aborted landings at MEX due to the redesign of airspace to accommodate simultaneous operations at the two airports.

The Mexican Government has acknowledged the issue and launched an investigation, attributing the challenges to a shortage of air traffic controllers. As a result, they have decided to reduce the capacity of MEX by 25% over a 12-month period, transferring flights to AIFA and Toluca airport.

The challenges posed by the proximity of the two airports have also been exacerbated by insufficient training and lower-than-standard phraseology used by ATC. This has resulted in reports of confusion over STAR clearances and a higher number of aborted landings, impacting the efficiency and safety of operations at MEX.

The airport's location in a high-crime neighbourhood

Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport is located in the eastern part of the city and serves as the main hub for both domestic and international flights. While the airport boasts modern facilities and an extensive network of airlines, its location in a high-crime neighbourhood has raised some safety concerns.

The airport's proximity to areas with high crime rates has been identified as a potential security risk for passengers and crew members on layovers. "Follow-home crime", where individuals are followed back to their hotels and robbed, has been flagged as a specific issue in the area. This has prompted advisories for layover crew members to take their security seriously.

In addition to the airport's location in a high-crime area, there have been reports of operational challenges and safety concerns. Aircraft near misses, air traffic control errors, and issues with illegal cargo and passenger documentation have all contributed to a heightened sense of caution around the airport.

To address these concerns, the Mexican government launched an investigation and implemented measures to reduce capacity at the airport by 25% over a 12-month period. The military has also been given control of the airport, with the navy taking charge of security, customs, immigration, luggage handling, and other operations. While this move has been met with mixed reactions, it aims to tackle issues of corruption, mismanagement, and security at the airport.

Despite the challenges, Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport remains a bustling gateway to the vibrant capital, welcoming millions of international visitors each year.

The Mexican government's investigation into a near-miss incident

The Mexican government launched an investigation into a near-miss incident at Mexico City International Airport, which took place on Saturday, May 7, 2022. The incident involved two Volaris jets, one of which was landing and the other taking off, on the same runway. The landing aircraft pulled up at the last second, narrowly avoiding a collision. This incident was captured on video and circulated on social media, sparking widespread concern.

In response, the Mexican Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation Secretariat (SICT) initiated an investigation and met with industry stakeholders, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA). The head of Mexico's air navigation service provider, Seneam, Víctor Manuel Hernández Sandoval, resigned in the aftermath.

The investigation revealed that the incident was likely caused by an air traffic control mistake. Deputy Transport Minister Rogelio Jimenez Pons expressed concern about recent air safety incidents and the saturation of the airport, announcing a 25% reduction in operations over 12 months. He attributed the issue to a shortage of air traffic controllers, which resulted in extended working hours.

The near-miss incident also had political repercussions, with Senator Ricardo Monreal calling on the heads of transportation and civil aviation authorities to testify in Congress. Additionally, the incident brought attention to the newly inaugurated Felipe Ángeles International Airport, which was intended to relieve congestion at Mexico City International Airport but faced criticism for its limited operations and ongoing construction.

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