▲Visitors have to overcome obstacles and breathe dust.Photo Jair Cabrera Torres
César Arellano García
La Jornada Newspaper
Thursday, December 11, 2025, p. 11
The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is in a technological and infrastructure update phase focused on safety, efficiency and passenger experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview, Admiral Juan José Padilla Olmos, director of the air terminal, admits that the inconveniences for users will continue because the remodeling works will extend to next year, and affirms that the restructuring is not only for the World Cup, but so that it has better operation in the following decades.
However, the work causes discomfort to travelers and employees, because they pass through corridors where ceilings and lighting, among others, are fixed; In addition, due to the closure of areas and traffic difficulties in accesses and exits.
During a tour of the facilities, it was observed that to enter Terminal 1, people walk down the sidewalk with the risks that this entails; But not only that, in clinics and final waiting rooms they must endure the noise of machinery, breathe the dust that is generated and avoid barriers, debris, tarps or tapes that restrict the work areas.
The loud sound caused by heavy machinery, the drill, the grinder and the hammering to weld, replace floors, ceilings or tear down walls forces tourists in both terminals to communicate shouting with immigration workers, airlines and businesses. Other drawbacks are the unevenness of the floor where the modifications are made. Also, several toilets are closed due to facility arrangements.
“Unfortunately, works of the magnitude that are being carried out harm users due to the impassable areas and closed businesses,” says Padilla Olmos and apologizes, but reiterates that the inconvenience caused will be fully justified in three or four months, with better facilities and greater comfort for everyone.
For the project, which includes restoration of facades, drainage arrangement, floors, reorganization of commercial spaces, improvement of entry points in last waiting rooms, electrical system and air conditioning, to mention a few, approximately 9 billion pesos were invested, of which 5 billion were invested this year and the rest in 2026.
Deep remodeling
“The World Cup was secondary. The beginning of the maintenance and remodeling work occurred after Marina arrived here (in October 2023), it was a matter of having a better presentation, but as soon as studies and evaluations were carried out, it was determined that it was not painting walls and fixing bathrooms, that the scope was much deeper. So much so, that we are working on changing drains, clinics and last waiting rooms.
“The World Cup was presented on this path; efforts had to be redoubled, but I insist, the purpose of the remodeling and maintenance, although it will help us to have a dignified face during the sporting event, is so that Mexicans have a better airport. Among the important works is the construction of three taxiways for operational efficiency and reducing aircraft times on the runway.”
It specifies that 3,600 video surveillance cameras with artificial intelligence, state-of-the-art X-ray equipment, 28 luggage belts, security filters with the capacity to detect explosive devices or some type of drugs, and biometric technology for immigration control will be installed.
In addition, he points out that the vision of the AICM as Mexico’s ambassador to the world, being the main entry and exit door to the country, is that national and foreign tourists feel at ease, with transportation services, Internet, as well as efficient luggage delivery; but above all, that when they get off the plane they pass through clean, pleasant facilities and that the passenger experience is different from current conditions.
The major works will be completed before the World Cup. Now they are making progress of 20 percent, but the director of the AICM assures that in May it will be 80 to 90 percent, since, among other things, there is a lack of maintenance to the parking lots in terminal 1, the construction of another short-stay parking lot in terminal 2 and a bridge to speed up circulation in the roundabout. “The parking lots, national and international arrival halls with all their equipment and new baggage delivery belts will be 100 percent.”
Finally, Padilla Olmos estimates that during the sports event the AICM will receive up to 2 million additional travelers. “Currently, we have 44 flights per hour, which give us an average of 3 million 500 thousand per month, with an aircraft capacity of 80 percent. We have no more authorized slotsbut we believe that aircraft occupancy will increase.”
