The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to work with authorities in Mexico to ensure a successful transfer of dedicated cargo operations from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to other airports within the Mexico City Metropolitan Region.
In a decree published on 02 February 2023, the Mexican authorities extended the timeframe to cease dedicated cargo operations at MEX from the original 90 working days to 108 working days. This was one of the main requests from the industry in its call to the government for a mutually agreed transition plan.
While not specifically stated in the decree, the new Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) is the most logical alternate location for dedicated cargo operations serving the Mexico City Metropolitan Region. IATA is working with authorities in a collaborative manner through the Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) to develop a joint working plan to ensure a feasible transition process.
Only last week IATA representatives took part in a site inspection of the cargo facilities at NLU. This visit revealed that, while the necessary building infrastructure is in place, the equipment needed for importing and exporting cargo is still in the process of being installed and tested. Furthermore, the necessary handling procedures and certifications need to be obtained from the respective Mexican and foreign regulators.
The industry wishes to re-emphasize the importance of air cargo for the Mexican economy and that it is in the mutual interest of both the government and the aviation value chain to ensure that supply chains remain uninterrupted during this transition phase.
