Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) has exceeded expectations by transporting over 5 million passengers between January and October of this year. This figure, which was originally expected by the end of 2023, has been achieved nearly a year earlier than anticipated. In October, AIFA recorded its third-best monthly performance in its history by serving 590,000 passengers.
During the inauguration of AIFA, the facility's director, General Isidoro Pastor, had promised to reach break-even with an influx of 5 million travelers by the end of 2023. The airport located in Santa Lucía has maintained a steady flow of travelers, reaching its peak in August of this year with 602,000 passengers attended in a single month.
The success of AIFA in terms of passenger numbers has allowed it to achieve financial break-even and start generating profits. According to information from El Financiero, the airport has accumulated profits of 789 million pesos in the third quarter. Despite this, the military administration of AIFA continues to receive subsidies, which are expected to reach at least 1.5 billion pesos by the end of the year.
It is expected that with the current operational volume, AIFA will be able to cover its operating costs without the need for subsidies starting next year. Although more than 93 percent of passengers are transported on domestic routes, the importance of AIFA in the country is growing, surpassing the number of travelers at airports such as Mérida.