▲ The renovation includes new fast food locations, updated departure lounges and runway lighting systems for safer navigation, among other improvements.Photo Germán Canseco
César Arellano García
La Jornada Newspaper
Saturday, December 27, 2025, p. 4
The remodeling of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is not only aesthetic, but comprehensive. It combines attractive and functional improvements, says Captain Arturo Gómez Melgoza, coordinator of the remodeling. Recommends passengers to take precautions and arrive early enough to board flights without setbacks. “The main works will conclude at the end of April, in case details need to be fixed, and will continue in August, after the 2026 World Cup. We would leave only the non-trafficable areas for users pending,” he points out.
Despite the inconvenience, he assures, travelers will notice significant changes in the two terminals, due to the comprehensive restoration and reorganization plan. “There will be new fast food spaces, updated departure lounges, comfortable seating, softer LED ceiling lighting, charging stations for electronic devices, new restrooms and runway lighting systems for safer navigation, to name a few changes.”
The floors will be completely renovated, the drainage systems and the collection of rainwater on the ground and on the slopes will be changed to mitigate waterlogging problems; It will also have mechanical suction equipment in case of possible flood contingencies and vehicles with a cargo inspection system and X-ray vision will be acquired.
Gómez Melgoza details that some businesses have already been relocated to expand the waiting rooms and work is being done to separate passengers from arrivals, departures and between national and international flights through the construction and retrofitting of interior and exterior corridors, as well as the modernization of their facilities.
In addition, the metal barriers from the windows located in the last waiting rooms that prevented national and foreign tourists from clearly seeing the air operations before boarding the aircraft were dismantled.
On a tour of The Day Through restored facilities or those still in black work, one can observe the intense activity of numerous workers that mixes with the metallic echo of structures and the constant noise of heavy machinery such as drills, hammers, the jingling of tools and the clicking of metal cuts along with that of concrete and gravel.
From doors 1 to 3, the personnel in charge of the works concentrate on drainage to avoid flooding in rainy seasons. “The obsolete pipe was removed and replaced with a larger diameter pipe.”
The contracted companies committed to deliver the works on time, which are carried out in phases so as not to affect travelers and air operations.
“The work is carried out almost 24 hours a day, seven days a week uninterruptedly in areas such as clinics, baggage carousels, immigration areas, customs and passenger contact modules, always maintaining the functionality of the airport.”
He announces that some walls, columns and ceilings of the air terminal will be covered with aluminum panels known as Alucobond, wood color, due to their durability and modern aesthetics.
Remember that the AICM is the main gateway to the country’s capital for national and foreign visitors as well as a strategic point for business and connectivity with the world. Likewise, it is the most important area of the national airport network, since it interconnects the entire Republic.
The remodeling operator adds that, on average, between 250 and 300 thousand people attend the two terminals every day, and around 30 thousand workers from different institutions, including service providers, private security and stores. “It was agreed with the merchants that while they remain closed due to the works, they will not be charged rent or electricity.”
In 2024, the AICM transported 45.3 million passengers and carried out 322 thousand operations. Until November of this year, it recorded almost 40 million and around 270 thousand commercial takeoffs and landings. Airport authorities estimate that the capital terminal will close the year with 45.6 million users.
Currently there are an average of 7,000 security personnel in the three shifts, including private, auxiliary police, federal protection personnel and the Navy.
“The main objective of the federal government and the Secretary of the Navy is aimed at giving an identity to the airport, so that Mexicans and passengers who visit us from abroad, and who pass through here, get the best impression of one of the best air terminals in the world and Latin America,” concludes Arturo Gómez.
