Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed that air cargo operations will remain permanently at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), despite ongoing pressure from U.S. aviation and logistics stakeholders who prefer that operations return to the Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

This decision will continue shaping how freight moves between Mexico and the United States in 2025.

1. Why Mexico Is Committed to AIFA

The government argues that relocating cargo to AIFA helps:

• Reduce congestion at the Mexico City International Airport

• Improve safety and operational efficiency

• Expand Mexico’s national airport infrastructure

• Create long-term logistics capacity for imports and exports

AIFA has already become a key cargo hub connecting industrial regions with U.S. destinations.

2. Why Some U.S. Companies Pushed for Change

Certain U.S. carriers and logistics organizations expressed concerns about:

• Increased trucking costs between AIFA and Mexico City

• Longer door-to-door delivery times

• Limited airline availability compared to AICM

• Adjustment costs for existing supply chain routes

However, Mexico’s government has remained firm on its infrastructure strategy.

3. Impact on Cross-Border Air Freight

The decision affects U.S.–Mexico logistics in several ways:

• Concentration of air cargo operations in a single, modern airport

• Stronger connection between AIFA and U.S. cargo airports (LAX, DFW, MIA, PHX, ORD)

• Increased movement of automotive, electronic, and medical goods

• More predictable customs and security processes

For many industries, AIFA is becoming the default entry and exit point for air cargo.

4. Benefits for U.S. Businesses Shipping to Mexico

Despite initial concerns, AIFA now offers advantages:

• New cargo facilities with higher space capacity

• Direct access to major highways leading to industrial regions

• Less congestion than the AICM

• Long-term potential for expanded flight frequency

Companies with time-sensitive freight—electronics, automotive parts, aerospace inputs—are beginning to benefit from the airport’s expanded logistics ecosystem.

5. Effects on Mexican Internal Distribution

AIFA also influences logistics inside Mexico:

• More distribution centers opening near the airport

• Increased demand for domestic trucking from AIFA

• Growth in bonded warehousing options

• Integration with multimodal networks

The airport is emerging as a strategic hub for both domestic and cross-border supply chains.

6. The Road Ahead

As Mexico continues strengthening AIFA’s cargo infrastructure, U.S. and Mexican companies must adapt their logistics planning. The shift represents a long-term structural change—not a temporary move.
Those who restructure early will benefit from smoother, faster, and more cost-efficient supply chains.

Americas Forwarding supports companies operating between the U.S. and Mexico with reliable, efficient air cargo and cross-border logistics solutions tailored to the new AIFA-based freight landscape.