By Georgina Elustondo
Just a few days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest airline association in the world issued a warning about one of the key points for millions of fans: the Mexico City International Airport (AICM).
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) considers that the air terminal could have difficulties absorbing the enormous flow of passengers that will arrive in the country during the tournament.
“We will probably see the Mexico City airport having difficulties to accommodate the World Cup,” said Willie Walsh, overall director of IATA, during the organization’s annual meeting held in Rio de Janeiro.
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Why is the AICM concerned?
The AICM is the largest international gateway to Mexico and a major piece for the logistics of the World Cup. However, The terminal has been operating for years under saturation conditions. Currently, the airport is limited to 44 operations per hour, well below the 61 it managed previously. In addition, both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 maintain official declarations of saturation.
According to Walsh, the renovations carried out so far are insufficient to respond to the extraordinary demand that the World Cup.
Millions of travelers and a historic challenge
Mexico will host matches in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey, in addition to the inaugural match at the Azteca Stadium.
The logistical challenge is enormous: the 2026 World Cup will be the first with forty-eight participating teams and the arrival of millions of fans is expected in the United States, Mexico and Canada. For Mexico City, that means test an airport that is already operating close to its operational limits.
Works against the clock
The Mexican authorities promoted a program of remodeling of the AICM with million-dollar investments to modernize facilities, improve waiting areas and optimize the passenger experience.
However, some travelers have reported delays, work in progress and temporary effects while the works continue.
The airport itself has recently defended that the improvements are progressing according to the planned schedule and that it will be ready to meet the additional demand of the tournament.
What it means for those who will travel to the World Cup
For now, IATA has not asked fans to modify their travel plans. However, experts recommend taking additional precautions:
- Arrive at the airport earlier.
- Avoid tight connections.
- Constantly review the status of flights.
- Consider alternatives such as the Toluca or Felipe Ángeles airports if the airlines offer that option.
The World Cup promises to be a great party for Mexico. But before the ball rolls, one of the biggest challenges could be on dry land: getting millions of people to stadiums on time.
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