Mexico City International Airport (AICM), currently managed by the Navy, has been awarded as the third most punctual airport in the world in 2024 by the consulting firm Cirium, specialized in data analysis for the aviation industry. During the recognition ceremony, Admiral Francisco Escamilla, Chief Officer of the Navy, pointed out that for the Secretary of the Navy, this achievement represents the fulfillment of its mission for the benefit of the country.
"There is a huge responsibility and commitment to maintain the pace ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where Mexico will be a co-host and AICM will be the main gateway for visitors from around the world," Escamilla emphasized. Since July 2022, the Mexican government entrusted Semar with the management of AICM, and as of October 2023, the Navy incorporated it as a sectorized state-owned company, aiming to transform the airport terminal into an efficient and safe unit.
The recognition obtained by AICM is partly due to the reorganization of spaces and departure flight schedules, as well as the efforts of airport executives and workers. Jeremy Bowen, CEO of Cirium, noted that AICM improved its punctuality rate from 79.01% in 2022 to 84.04% in 2024, reflecting a remarkable improvement in its performance.
Cirium considers punctuality performance not only a measure of whether a flight took off on time but also a direct indicator of the quality of an airport's operations and the relationships it establishes with its key stakeholders. The consulting firm annually awards airlines and airports that demonstrate efficiency in their operations, recognizing punctuality as a fundamental criterion in the industry.
Last January, AICM announced a renovation plan with an estimated investment of eight billion pesos, aiming to accommodate millions of passengers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The distinction obtained by AICM as one of the most punctual airports globally reinforces its position as an important air connectivity center in the region.
