Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Airport Overview
Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez — officially named after Mexico's revered 19th-century president and reformer Benito Juárez — is the primary international airport serving Greater Mexico City and the busiest airport in Mexico. Located in the Peñón de los Baños neighborhood of the Venustiano Carranza borough, just 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) east of downtown Mexico City, the airport sits at the heart of a megalopolis of over 21 million people. The site has been associated with aviation since 1910, when Alberto Braniff made the first powered flight over Mexican soil at the nearby Llanos de Balbuena; a military airfield opened here in 1915, and the civilian airport formally inaugurated commercial operations on May 15, 1931. Today it is one of the busiest dual-runway airports on the planet, a remarkable distinction given its constrained urban footprint.
The airport serves as the primary hub for Aeroméxico, Mexico's flag carrier and a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, which operates mainly from Terminal 2. Terminal 1 hosts a broad coalition of international carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, All Nippon Airways, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, and Hainan Airlines, alongside Mexican low-cost carriers Volaris and Viva (VivaAerobus). The airport also functions as a hub for Volaris and Viva, and as a focus city for Magnicharters.
In 2025, Mexico City International Airport handled 44,605,576 passengers — a slight 1.7% decline from 2024, attributed to market-wide capacity management — retaining its position as the 3rd-busiest airport in Latin America, 15th-busiest in North America, and 50th-busiest in the world by passenger traffic. It recorded 313,467 aircraft movements in 2025, maintaining roughly 850 operations per day. The broader Mexico City Airport System (including Felipe Ángeles International Airport and Toluca International Airport) collectively handled 53,591,517 passengers in 2025, ranking as the 2nd-busiest metropolitan airport system in Latin America and 34th globally.
What makes MEX truly unique is its operational intensity: with only two runways capped at 61 operations per hour by government saturation decree (05:00–23:59 at T1; 06:00–23:00 at T2), it consistently ranks among the most congested dual-runway airports in the world. A MXN 8 billion (approximately USD 460 million) renovation launched in 2025 is scheduled for completion by mid-2026, partly in preparation for Mexico City's role as host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Notable long-haul routes include China Southern's Shenzhen–Mexico City service, ranked the 9th-longest flight globally in 2024 at 14,124 km.
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Terminals & Gates
Terminal 1 — The Grand Historic Hall
Terminal 1 is the original terminal complex, first built in 1958 with major expansions in 1970, 1989, 1998, 2000, and 2004. It covers approximately 54.8 hectares of apron and terminal area, making it one of the largest terminal complexes in the Western Hemisphere, with a total floor space exceeding 5.8 million square feet (540,000 m²). The terminal provides 17 m² of space per passenger — a figure that reflects its design capacity, which it regularly exceeds. Terminal 1 handles both domestic and international flights and is home to the majority of airlines operating at MEX.
The terminal is organized across two main floors: the ground floor handles domestic arrivals (22 baggage claim carousels) and landside services, while the upper floor contains international check-in zones (F1, F2, F3) and access to the departure concourses. Gates 1–18 serve domestic flights; Gates 19–36 (and beyond) serve international routes. The terminal has 33 contact positions (jet bridges) and 20 remote positions (bus transfers). Ten lounges are distributed across concourses A through J (domestic areas) and additional lounges serve the international gates.
Airlines at T1: Volaris, Viva (VivaAerobus), Magnicharters (domestic carriers); American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet, Flair (North American); Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia, British Airways, Turkish Airlines (European); All Nippon Airways (ANA), China Southern, Emirates, Hainan Airlines (intercontinental); Avianca, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Chile, LATAM Perú, Volaris Costa Rica, Volaris El Salvador, Copa Airlines (Latin American).
Lounges in T1:
- American Express Centurion Lounge — Domestic Departures, between Gates 17 & 18. Hours: 05:00–22:00. Showers available. Access: AMEX Platinum/Centurion cardholders.
- Admirals Club (American Airlines) — International Departures, near Gate 32. Hours: 04:30–22:30. Showers available. Walk-in: USD 59. Access: oneworld Business/First + eligible cardholders.
- United Club — International Departures, in front of Gate 9. Hours: 04:00–22:00. Showers available. Walk-in: USD 59. Access: Star Alliance Gold/Business/First.
- oneworld GIS Lounge — International Departures, above Admirals Club. Hours: 04:30–22:30. Access: oneworld First/Business and Sapphire/Emerald members only (no walk-in).
- The Grand Lounge Elite (Air France–KLM–ANA–Visa) — near Gate 19. Access: premium credit cards.
- Iberia VIP Lounge — International Departures. Access: Iberia/BA Business/First.
- Salón Centurión by American Express, Sala Avianca, VIPort Lounge, Terraza Elite, The Lounge by Global Network — various locations in T1.
Hotels in T1: Three hotels are directly connected or on-site: the landmark Camino Real Aeropuerto (600 rooms), Hilton Mexico City Airport (110 rooms), and Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport (288 rooms). Sleep pods are available at izZzleep Hotel T1 for short-stay rest.
Terminal 2 — The Modern SkyTeam Hub
Terminal 2 opened on November 15, 2007, with inaugural flights operated by Delta Air Lines. It was subsequently expanded with the opening of Pier L on July 23, 2020, adding seven additional gates to reduce remote stand operations. T2 covers 24.2 hectares of apron area, has 30 contact positions, 10 remote positions, and provides 22 m² per passenger — a slightly more generous allocation than T1. Its contemporary design is considered more intuitive to navigate than T1's sprawling corridors, though it too suffers from saturation during peak hours.
Terminal 2 is organized around two sub-terminals: T2A for domestic flights and T2B for international. A mezzanine level contains restaurants, lounges, and airline offices. Gates 52–75 are on the first floor (international departures); Pier L (Gates 75–81) handles Aeroméxico Connect narrow-body services. Domestic arrivals are near the south pier; international arrivals near the north pier.
Airlines at T2: Aeroméxico (primary hub), Aeroméxico Connect, Copa Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Note: some international carriers also use T2B gates, including Air France, KLM, and British Airways on certain schedules — always confirm your terminal when checking in.
Lounges in T2:
- Salón Premier Nacional & Salón Premier Internacional (Aeroméxico) — one in domestic, one in international departures. Access: Aeroméxico Business Class, SkyTeam First/Business, Elite Plus members.
- Terraza Premier by Heineken & Aeroméxico — T2 international area.
- American Express Centurion Lounge T2 — praised for its full bar and hot food. Access: AMEX Platinum cardholders.
- HSBC Premier Lounge, Salón Beyond by Citibanamex, VIPort Lounge T2 — various locations.
Hotel in T2: The NH Collection Mexico City Airport (287 rooms) is directly connected to Terminal 2. izZzleep Hotel T2 offers sleep pod cabins for transit rest.
Inter-Terminal Connections
The two terminals are approximately 3 km apart. There are two transfer options:
- Aerotrén (people mover/monorail): Free for passengers with a boarding pass or airline crew. Operates at 45 km/h. Stops at T1 (Puente de Pilotos Bridge) and T2 (near domestic departure, room M). Journey time: approximately 5 minutes. Operating hours: 05:00–23:00 daily. Daily capacity: 7,800 passengers.
- TETSA Bus shuttle: Available 24/7 for all passengers (with or without boarding pass), including non-ticketed travelers and staff. Connects T1 Entrance 6 with T2 Entrance 4. Journey: 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. This is the only option after 23:00.
Important: The two terminals are NOT connected airside. Passengers transferring between terminals must pass through immigration and security. Allow at least 90 minutes for inter-terminal connections.
---Transportation Guide
Getting to and from Mexico City International Airport
Mexico City International Airport is located just 5 km from the historic downtown (Zócalo), making it one of the most centrally positioned major airports in Latin America. The city's dense urban fabric means all transport options involve navigating heavy traffic, so journey times can vary significantly — especially during peak hours (07:00–10:00 and 17:00–21:00 on weekdays). Passengers are advised to allow extra time during rush hours, holiday weekends, and match days.
Metro (Subway) — Line 5
Terminal 1 is connected via an open-air walkway (starting at Entrance 1) to Terminal Aérea station on Metro Line 5 (Pantitlán–Politécnico). This is by far the cheapest transport option. A single journey costs just MXN 5 (approximately €0.25 / USD 0.28) — a flat fare for the entire network. Journey time to the city center (Zócalo via transfer) is approximately 30–40 minutes, depending on connections. The metro runs from approximately 05:00 to 00:00 Monday–Friday, with reduced hours on weekends. Trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours.
Important note: Terminal 2 does not have a direct metro station. Passengers must walk approximately 800 metres to Pantitlán station, which is served by Metro Lines 1, 5, 9, and A. The metro is not recommended for travelers with large suitcases due to crowding and limited space.
Trolleybus Line 4 also serves Terminal Aérea station (northbound direction), connecting to the El Rosario metro station.
Metrobús (BRT) — Lines 4 and 7
Terminal 1 has a Metrobús stop at Entrance 7; Terminal 2 has a stop at Entrance 2. The Metrobús requires a rechargeable card (tarjeta), available at vending machines at the stop — the card itself costs MXN 21, and each journey is MXN 30 (approximately €1.50 / USD 1.65). Service runs daily 05:00–00:00 (Monday–Saturday from 04:30). Journey to San Lázaro interchange (central hub) takes approximately 25–40 minutes. From San Lázaro you can connect to multiple metro lines and other Metrobús routes across the city.
Authorized Airport Taxis
The safest way to take a taxi is to purchase a ticket at official Transporte Terrestre kiosks located inside both terminals, near the baggage claim areas. Never accept offers from drivers inside the terminal. Five authorized taxi companies operate at MEX: Casadey, Confort Unlimited, Nueva Imagen, Porto Taxi, and Sitio 300. Fares are zone-based:
- City center (Zócalo, Centro Histórico): approximately MXN 300–350 (€15–17 / USD 16–19), 15–25 minutes without heavy traffic
- Roma Norte / La Condesa / Polanco: approximately MXN 350–450 (€17–22 / USD 19–24), 20–35 minutes
- Santa Fe / Lomas: approximately MXN 500–700 (€25–35 / USD 27–38), 30–60 minutes
Two service types are available: standard sedan (up to 4 passengers) and executive van (up to 8 passengers, approximately 20–30% more). Taxis operate from Doors 1, 9, and 10 at T1, and Doors 3 and 4 at T2.
Ride-Hailing (Uber, DiDi, Beat)
Uber and DiDi operate from Mexico City Airport, though pickup logistics differ from authorized taxis. App drivers cannot enter the arrivals curb; passengers must walk to the main avenues just outside the terminal building — Circuito Interior at T1 and Av. Fuerza Aérea at T2. Use the airport's free Wi-Fi to request your ride, then follow the app's pickup instructions. Estimated fares to the city center: MXN 100–180 (€5–9 / USD 5.50–10) — roughly 50–70% cheaper than authorized airport taxis. DiDi is often the cheapest option. Be cautious: luggage management and walking to pickup points can be inconvenient, particularly at night or with large bags.
Car Rental
All major international and Mexican car rental companies operate at MEX, with counters located in the arrivals halls of both terminals: Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Europcar, Dollar, Thrifty, and Alamo. It is strongly recommended to book online in advance, as walk-up rates can be significantly higher. An economy car starts at approximately MXN 700–1,200/day (€35–60) including basic insurance. Note: driving within Mexico City is challenging due to extreme traffic congestion and the city's "Hoy No Circula" vehicle restriction program (based on license plate numbers on weekdays). Most visitors find ride-hailing or taxis more practical for navigating the city itself.
Long-Distance Buses
MEX is one of the few airports in the world with a long-distance intercity bus terminal on-site. At Terminal 1, the bus station is on the top floor near the food court (accessible via an elevated walkway). ADO operates services to Puebla, Veracruz, Córdoba, Orizaba, Oaxaca, and other eastern Mexican destinations. From Terminal 2, the bus station is near Arrival Hall Q, with Caminante services to Toluca. ADO Conecta also runs a shuttle connecting MEX with Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU).
| Transport | Time to Center | Price | Frequency | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 5 | 30–45 min | MXN 5 (€0.25) | Every 3–5 min (peak) | 05:00–00:00 |
| Metrobús (BRT) | 25–40 min | MXN 30 (€1.50) | Every 5–10 min | 04:30–00:00 |
| Authorized Taxi | 15–35 min | MXN 300–450 (€15–22) | On demand 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Uber / DiDi | 15–40 min | MXN 100–180 (€5–9) | On demand | 24/7 |
| Private Transfer | 20–45 min | MXN 600–1,200 (€30–60) | Pre-booked | 24/7 |
| Long-distance Bus | Varies by dest. | MXN 150–400 (€7–20) | Multiple daily | 05:00–23:00 |
Hotels Near the Airport
Hotels Inside / Connected to the Airport
Mexico City Airport has an unusually strong on-site hotel offering for a Latin American airport, with full-service hotels physically connected to both terminals.
- Camino Real Aeropuerto Mexico City (Terminal 1, connected) — 5-star, 600 rooms. Mexico City's most prestigious airport hotel. Features a large pool, multiple restaurants, spa, and business center. Room rates: approximately MXN 3,000–6,000 (€150–300) per night.
- Hilton Mexico City Airport (Terminal 1, connected) — 4-star, 110 rooms. Business-focused with free Wi-Fi, restaurant, and fitness center. Rates: approximately MXN 2,500–4,500 (€125–225) per night.
- Courtyard by Marriott Mexico City Airport (Terminal 1 area) — 3-star, 288 rooms. Good value for business travelers. Rates: approximately MXN 1,800–3,000 (€90–150) per night.
- NH Collection Mexico City Airport (Terminal 2, connected) — 4-star, 287 rooms. Modern design, restaurant, meeting facilities. Rates: approximately MXN 2,200–4,000 (€110–200) per night.
Sleep Pods / Transit Rest
- izZzleep Hotel — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — Cabin-style sleeping pods available by the hour or for full overnight stays. Ideal for long layovers. Air-conditioned, private pods with comfortable beds. Minimum 4-hour booking. Rates: approximately MXN 400–600 per 4 hours (€20–30). The airport does not have fully public airside sleeping areas, but these pods offer a practical alternative.
Hotels Within 5 km of the Airport
- Fiesta Inn Aeropuerto México — 3-star, free airport shuttle. Rates: MXN 1,200–1,800/night (€60–90). Popular with domestic business travelers.
- Holiday Inn México Dalí Aeropuerto — 3-star, free shuttle, pool, restaurant. Rates: MXN 1,300–2,000/night (€65–100).
- City Express Aeropuerto Ciudad de México — 3-star budget chain. Rates: MXN 900–1,400/night (€45–70). Includes breakfast in many rate plans.
- Hotel Grand Prix — 3-star, affordable, shuttle available. Rates: MXN 700–1,200/night (€35–60).
- We Hotel Aeropuerto — Boutique 4-star, contemporary design. Rates: MXN 1,800–3,000/night (€90–150).
- Hotel Riazor — Budget-friendly, no frills. Rates: from MXN 600/night (€30).
Tip: All of the above nearby hotels offer free shuttle service to both terminals. Confirm shuttle schedules at check-in, as they can be infrequent overnight.
---Parking Options & Rates
Official Airport Parking at MEX
Mexico City International Airport operates three official parking facilities — two at Terminal 1 (one domestic, one international) and one general lot at Terminal 2. All lots are open 24 hours, 365 days a year, and offer the same pricing structure. All lots have security cameras, restrooms, elevators, and ATM-style prepaid payment machines inside the parking area (not at exits — pay before returning to your car). Payments are accepted in cash (MXN) or by bank card.
Terminal 1 — Domestic Parking
Location: Av. Capitán Carlos León, in front of Doors 1 and 2 (Domestic Arrivals area). Capacity: approximately 3,100 vehicles. Preferred spaces available for passengers with disabilities, seniors, and pregnant women, who also receive free mini-vehicle transport to the terminal.
Terminal 1 — International Parking
Location: Av. Capitán Carlos León, across from the international area, adjacent to the intercity bus terminal. Capacity: approximately 2,400 vehicles. Same services as domestic lot.
Terminal 2 — General Parking
Location: C. Alberto Santos Dumont 209, directly in front of Terminal 2. Capacity: approximately 3,000 vehicles. Tends to fill up quickly during peak travel periods — arrive early.
Parking Rates (All Official Lots)
| Duration | Price (MXN) | Approx. EUR | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–30 minutes | MXN 27 | ~€1.35 | ~$1.50 |
| 31–45 minutes | MXN 41 | ~€2.05 | ~$2.25 |
| 46–60 minutes | MXN 55 | ~€2.75 | ~$3.00 |
| Up to 24 hours (from 7 hrs) | MXN 360 | ~€18 | ~$19.50 |
| Lost ticket | MXN 406 | ~€20 | ~$22 |
Important: After paying at the prepaid machine, you have 15 minutes to exit. No online pre-booking is available — all parking is first-come, first-served. Reservations are not accepted.
Off-Airport Parking — Park'n Fly
For stays of 24 hours or longer, off-airport providers like Park'n Fly are significantly cheaper. Their 24-hour rate is approximately MXN 240 vs. MXN 360 at the official lot. From 48 hours onwards, Park'n Fly charges MXN 180 per additional 24-hour period. Round-trip shuttle to both terminals is included. Located near Terminal 1 (Gate 4). No reservations needed; first-come, first-served.
Drop-Off / Pick-Up
There are no designated cell phone lots or free waiting areas. Curbside stops are permitted briefly for drop-offs but vehicles cannot be left unattended. For pick-ups, use the short-term parking lots.
EV Charging
A limited number of electric vehicle charging stations are available in the Terminal 1 parking areas. Confirm availability on-site, as expansion is ongoing under the 2025 renovation program.
---Services & Facilities
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Connect to the network "AICM_Wifi_Gratis" and follow the simple registration prompts (name + email). Standard speeds are sufficient for messaging and web browsing. Premium/faster Wi-Fi is available in VIP lounges. There is no time limit on free sessions, though you may need to reconnect after extended periods.
Lounges Summary
MEX has an excellent lounge ecosystem for both premium and independent traveler access. Key walk-in options in Terminal 1 include the Admirals Club (USD 59 walk-in) and United Club (USD 59 walk-in), both in International Departures. American Express Centurion Lounges are available in both terminals for Platinum/Centurion cardholders. Priority Pass holders should verify participation at the VIPort Lounge (T1 and T2). Aeroméxico Premier Lounges in T2 include spa facilities for premium passengers.
Shopping
Both terminals feature extensive duty-free shopping operated by DFS and World Duty Free. Terminal 1's commercial area is one of the largest airport retail zones in Latin America, with hundreds of shops along its long corridors. Duty-free highlights include Mexican tequila, mezcal, and local artisan goods, plus international luxury brands (Hermès, Cartier, Montblanc, Coach). Local specialties worth looking for: quality Mexican chocolate, silver jewelry, and artisanal leather goods. Terminal 2 has a more curated, compact shopping zone with an emphasis on Mexican design and souvenirs.
Dining
Both terminals offer a wide range of food and beverage options. Notable restaurants include:
- Vuela Carmela (T2, Room B) — Creative modern Mexican cuisine; a traveler favorite for sit-down meals
- Tasca Don Quino (T1, Room B) — Spanish tapas and wine; over 25 years at the airport
- Iwashi (T2, landside) — Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine
- Multiple food courts with Mexican antojitos, fast food (McDonald's, Subway, Starbucks), and 24-hour options in airside areas
Prices in airport restaurants are 20–40% higher than city restaurants. A full sit-down meal: approximately MXN 250–600 (€12–30). Coffee: MXN 60–120 (€3–6).
Medical Services
A medical clinic and pharmacy (farmacia) are located in both terminals. Terminal 1 has a medical center on the ground floor near the international arrivals area. Services include first aid, basic consultations, and emergency stabilization. Pharmacies sell over-the-counter medications and travel health supplies. Operating hours roughly follow terminal schedules (05:00–23:00).
Family Facilities
Baby care / nursing rooms are located in both terminals, signposted as "Sala de Lactancia." Kids' play areas are available in Terminal 1 landside zones. Family lanes at security checkpoints allow priority processing for families with small children; look for signage or ask staff. Stroller/wheelchair rental is not standard — bring your own or request airport assistance.
Accessibility (PRM Services)
Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) can request assistance free of charge by contacting their airline at the time of booking. Wheelchairs, special lanes at security and immigration, and accessible restrooms are available throughout both terminals. Free mini-vehicle transportation is provided within the parking areas for passengers with disabilities, seniors (65+), and pregnant women.
Currency Exchange and ATMs
Currency exchange counters (casas de cambio) are located throughout both terminals, in arrivals and departures areas. Rates are typically less favorable than in the city — for better rates, use ATMs. Multiple ATMs are available from HSBC, Banamex, BBVA, and Santander. Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro are widely accepted. Recommended withdrawal amount: MXN 500–2,000 for immediate transport needs.
Luggage Storage
Left-luggage / storage lockers are available at both terminals. Rates: approximately MXN 100–200 per locker per day (€5–10), depending on size. Staffed storage services are also available. Ask at the information desks for the closest location to your gate.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited inside all terminal buildings and in covered areas. Designated outdoor smoking areas are available immediately outside the terminal entrance/exit doors. Electronic cigarettes and vaping follow the same restrictions.
Prayer Rooms and Chapel
An interfaith chapel is located in Terminal 1 (follow signage for "Capilla"). Prayer rooms for Muslim passengers are available — ask at the information desk for the nearest designated space. These facilities are open throughout operating hours.
Showers
Showers are available at several of the airline and credit card lounges (Admirals Club, United Club, Centurion Lounge). Public shower facilities are available to non-lounge passengers for a fee of approximately MXN 150–250 (€7–12) at designated service areas in both terminals. Ask at the information desk for current locations.
---Airlines & Destinations
Hub and Home Airlines
Aeroméxico (SkyTeam) is the dominant carrier at MEX, operating from Terminal 2. As Mexico's flag carrier and a SkyTeam founding member, Aeroméxico runs more than 600 daily operations system-wide and serves 89 destinations in 24 countries — 48 domestic and 17 in the USA, 15 in Latin America, 5 in Europe, 3 in Canada, and 1 in Asia (Tokyo). Its fleet consists of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 737s, and Embraer 190s. Aeroméxico Connect (regional subsidiary) operates additional routes from Pier L in T2.
Volaris (unaligned LCC) operates from Terminal 1, competing aggressively on domestic routes and US border markets. Volaris carried approximately 30.45 million passengers across its network in 2025. Viva (VivaAerobus), also LCC from T1, transported approximately 29 million passengers in 2025, making it now larger than Aeroméxico in pure volume. Magnicharters operates as a focus city carrier at MEX from T1.
International Carriers by Alliance
SkyTeam (Terminal 2): Delta Air Lines, Air France, KLM, Copa Airlines
oneworld (Terminal 1): American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, LATAM Brasil, LATAM Chile, LATAM Perú
Star Alliance (Terminal 1): United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Avianca, Avianca Costa Rica, Avianca El Salvador
Non-aligned full service (Terminal 1): Emirates, Turkish Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, WestJet, Flair Airlines
Latin American LCCs (Terminal 1): Volaris Costa Rica, Volaris El Salvador
Busiest Routes from MEX (2025)
| Route | Primary Carriers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City → Monterrey (MTY) | Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva | Busiest domestic route (~197 flights/week) |
| Mexico City → Cancún (CUN) | Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva | Key leisure + beach market |
| Mexico City → Guadalajara (GDL) | Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva | Major domestic trunk |
| Mexico City → Houston (IAH) | Aeroméxico, United | Top US gateway |
| Mexico City → Los Angeles (LAX) | Aeroméxico, Volaris, American | Largest US-MX corridor city pair |
| Mexico City → Miami (MIA) | Aeroméxico, American | Key South Florida gateway |
| Mexico City → New York JFK (JFK) | Aeroméxico, American | Important business route |
| Mexico City → Madrid (MAD) | Aeroméxico, Iberia | Primary transatlantic route |
| Mexico City → Tokyo Narita (NRT) | Aeroméxico | ~14h 45m — longest MEX route |
| Mexico City → Shenzhen (SZX) | China Southern | 9th longest flight globally (14,124 km) |
MEX serves 44 domestic and 62 international destinations. Key long-haul connections include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Istanbul, Dubai, and São Paulo. Seasonal routes include additional European leisure services in summer (June–September).
---Distances & Travel Times
Distances from Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
| Destination | Distance | By Car / Taxi | By Public Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown (Zócalo / Centro Histórico) | 5 km | 15–25 min | 30–40 min (Metro L5) |
| Paseo de la Reforma / Zona Rosa | 9 km | 20–35 min | 40–55 min (Metro + walk) |
| Polanco | 13 km | 25–45 min | 50–70 min |
| Roma Norte / La Condesa | 10 km | 20–40 min | 40–60 min |
| Chapultepec Park | 12 km | 25–45 min | 50–65 min (Metro L1) |
| Santa Fe Business District | 22 km | 35–70 min | 75–100 min |
| TAPO (Eastern Bus Terminal) | 3 km | 10–15 min | 15–20 min (Metro L5) |
| Buenavista (Northern Bus Terminal / Train) | 13 km | 25–45 min | 50–65 min |
| Teotihuacán Pyramids | 50 km | 50–75 min | 90–120 min (bus from Terminal del Norte) |
| Puebla (CAPU) | 130 km | 90–120 min | ~2 hrs (ADO bus from airport) |
| Cuernavaca | 90 km | 80–110 min | ~2 hrs (bus) |
| Toluca | 70 km | 60–90 min | ~2 hrs (bus from T2) |
Passenger Statistics
Passenger Traffic Trends
Mexico City International Airport has demonstrated strong post-pandemic recovery, briefly surpassing pre-pandemic records in 2023 before experiencing moderate demand management declines in 2024–2025. The airport remains the busiest in Mexico by a wide margin, and the third-busiest in Latin America (behind São Paulo GRU and Cancún by international traffic). In 2025, it recorded 313,467 aircraft movements — approximately 858 per day — while cargo operations processed 252,555.6 tons, ranking second nationally behind the newer Felipe Ángeles Airport.
| Year | Annual Passengers | YoY Change | Aircraft Movements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 50.1 million | +5.2% | ~430,000 |
| 2020 | 19.9 million | –60.3% | ~200,000 |
| 2021 | 36.2 million | +81.9% | ~310,000 |
| 2022 | 43.5 million | +20.2% | ~380,000 |
| 2023 | 48.4 million | +11.3% | ~420,000 |
| 2024 | 45.4 million | –6.2% | ~350,000 |
| 2025 | 44.6 million | –1.7% | 313,467 |
The 2024–2025 decline reflects deliberate capacity management under the government's saturation decree (61 operations/hour cap), partial traffic diversion to Felipe Ángeles Airport (NLU), and broader Aeroméxico fleet adjustments. The airport's dual-runway constraint is a structural ceiling that prevents significant volume growth without the major infrastructure investment underway through the 2025–2026 renovation program. MEX set a single-day passenger record of 137,637 travelers on July 28, 2025. International traffic at MEX totaled 17,482,146 passengers in 2025, ranking 2nd in Mexico and 3rd in Latin America for international volumes.
---Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Information
General Airport Information (AICM)
Phone: +52 55 2482 2400
24 hours, daily
Official Airport Website
Social Media
Twitter: @AICM_Mexico
Facebook: AICMOficial
Instagram: @aicm_mexico
Lost & Found (Objetos Olvidados)
Phone: +52 55 2482 2400 (ext. for lost property)
Location: Terminal 1: Ground floor near baggage claim, Door 9 area. Terminal 2: Arrivals hall ground floor.
Open: 08:00–20:00 daily
Customs & Immigration (SAT / INM)
Phone: +52 55 5227 2000
Pro Tips for Mexico City International Airport
- If you're flying T2 (Aeroméxico), use the Salón Premier lounge if eligible — it's significantly quieter than the crowded gate areas and has spa services. The wait at T2 security international can be long; aim to clear it at least 90 minutes before departure.
- For T1 international departures, Gates 19–36 are a long walk from check-in. After clearing security, the duty-free section near Gate 19 and 'The Grand Lounge Elite' are good spots to stop before continuing to your gate. If you have Gate 32+ (usually American or British Airways), allow an extra 10 minutes.
- For the cheapest transport into the city, connect to AICM_Wifi_Gratis immediately on arrival and request a DiDi or Uber before exiting baggage claim — by the time you collect your luggage and walk outside, your driver will be close. This saves 30–50% vs. the official airport taxis.
- If your baggage takes more than 45 minutes to appear on the carousel (a common complaint at MEX), report it immediately to the airline's baggage desk in the arrivals hall — do not leave the terminal and then try to claim, as this complicates the process considerably.
- Confirm your terminal (T1 or T2) before leaving for the airport — even the same airline can use different terminals for different routes. Aeromexico is T2; virtually everyone else is T1. Check your ticket or airline website the day before departure.
- Check in online and download your boarding pass to your phone. This saves time at crowded check-in counters in T1 and lets you use the Aerotrén between terminals without waiting at a counter.
- If catching an early morning international flight, consider staying at the Hilton T1 or NH Collection T2 the night before — MEX's complex immigration queues can take 30–60 minutes at peak hours, and arriving stressed is not worth the saved hotel money.
- The 2025–2026 renovation is generating noise and occasional corridor detours, particularly in T1. Check the AICM website or Twitter @AICM_Mexico for any temporary gate or lounge closures before your travel date.
- Accepting taxi offers from men inside the terminal or outside the baggage claim who approach you directly. Only buy taxi tickets at official Transporte Terrestre booths inside the terminal near the baggage carousels — these are the only authorized, price-guaranteed services. Unofficial taxis have a well-documented history of overcharging tourists.
- Assuming you have plenty of time for a domestic-to-international connection at MEX when the two flights are in different terminals. T1 to T2 connections require exiting the secure area, riding the Aerotrén or bus, and re-clearing security — minimum realistic transfer time is 90 minutes, and 2 hours is safer. Many travelers miss connections because the Aerotrén requires a boarding pass and the bus adds time.
- Leaving luggage tags, passport copies, or valuables in checked bags at MEX. Baggage tampering and theft from checked luggage is one of the most frequent complaints from travelers at this airport. Use TSA-approved locks or plastic wrapping services (available in both terminals for approximately MXN 100–150) for checked bags, and keep valuables, electronics, and medications in your carry-on.