The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) reached a significant milestone in its history by recording operating profits for the first time during the past year, accumulating earnings of 285 million pesos, according to financial reports obtained by El Financiero. These earnings stem from operating income related to ticket sales, cargo, additional fees, and other services, a sign of profitability and efficiency in its daily operations.
According to Juan Carlos Machorro, an expert in aviation law, the fact that AIFA generates profits and begins to recover the public investment allocated for its construction is a positive result for the facility located in Santa Lucía. Throughout 2024, the airport generated its own revenue of over 2,581 million pesos, mainly from the Airport Use Fee (TUA), without relying on federal subsidies.
Despite this achievement, by the end of the year, the airport's profit margin was reduced due to an increase in general expenses. Annual operating costs amounted to 2,295 million pesos, with a significant portion allocated to overhead costs and considerable investment in payroll. The increase in passenger flow was essential for AIFA to start generating profits, a scenario facilitated by government measures that prioritized its operation.
Felipe Ángeles International Airport positioned itself as a more economical alternative to Mexico City International Airport, but has yet to clearly define its business vocation. The lack of domestic flights has hindered the establishment of a network of international connections, necessary to become a 'hub' and facilitate international operations.
Despite the profits obtained, AIFA continues to receive government subsidies, strengthening its financial position with transfers exceeding 4 billion pesos since its opening in March 2022. These amounts add to the total construction cost of the airport, which exceeds 70 billion pesos.
Uncertainty lies in the future role of AIFA in relation to Mexico City International Airport, particularly considering the possibility that the latter may regain its maximum operational capacity prior to the opening of Felipe Ángeles. The viability of a full simultaneous operation between both airports, along with the reassignment of operations and potential competition, poses challenges to the development of AIFA as the main option in the Valley of Mexico.
