Mexico Considers Transferring Control Of Capital Airport To Navy

A draft decree published on Tuesday suggests that Mexico is expected to transfer authority over the country's busiest airport, located in the capital, to its navy.

This move would mark a continuation of the military's growing influence in the sector. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has highlighted the participation of the armed forces in aviation as a means to combat drug trafficking and smuggling from airports, supporting the decision.

At present, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) falls under the jurisdiction of the transportation ministry; however, security operations, including customs, have already been assumed by the Navy.

Last year, Carlos Velazquez, a former Navy pilot, was appointed as the airport's director, signaling the Navy's increasing involvement in its management.

"There's more security, more certainty, the rules are followed better, there's more discipline," with the navy in charge of the airport, Velazquez told reporters on Tuesday.

For the draft decree to come into effect, it must be officially published in Mexico's official gazette.

Carlos Velazquez stated that efforts were underway to ensure that the Mexico City International Airport, commonly known as Benito Juarez Airport, could benefit from the funds generated by the airport-use tax.

Currently, these funds are allocated to a fund designated for repaying bondholders who had financed the construction of a previously planned airport that was ultimately canceled by President Lopez Obrador.

The cancellation was in favor of constructing the Felipe Angeles airport, located on the outskirts of the capital city.

The Felipe Angeles airport, which is situated on an active military base, is one of the significant public works projects of President Lopez Obrador.

However, despite being just one year old, the airport is experiencing low usage, Reuters reported.

Data from the national aviation authority reveals that in May, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) served nearly 4 million passengers.

In contrast, Felipe Angeles airport's passenger numbers were nearly 95% lower, indicating significantly reduced activity at the newer airport.