Mexico’s aviation oversight body is set for a historic financial transformation, securing a record MX$1.4 billion (US$76.03 million) budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The funding, announced by Jesús Esteva, head of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), represents a massive 56% increase over 2025 levels and a dramatic reversal from previous proposals that threatened to slash the agency’s resources by over 70%.
The cash injection serves as a strategic pillar for the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has identified civil aviation as a vital national priority. The move aims to bolster regulatory oversight and modernize the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) just as the country navigates a high-stakes safety audit by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Strengthening Regulatory Oversight and Workforce Capacity
The budgetary boost is designed to move beyond mere maintenance, focusing on long-term institutional expansion. Esteva emphasized that the government is committed to creating an agency “stronger than ever” by aggressively scaling its human capital. The plan includes the hiring of over 200 aviation professionals, with 100 new experts slated to join in 2026. By 2027, the agency expects to quadruple its number of inspectors compared to current levels.
This investment is critical as Mexico works to resolve 21 technical and administrative deficiencies highlighted in the ongoing FAA audit. Failure to address these concerns could result in a downgrade to Category 2 status, which would severely restrict Mexican airlines’ ability to expand services in the U.S. market. While the audit remains a work in progress, Esteva confirmed that bilateral talks with U.S. officials are focusing on collaborative solutions to address these technical challenges, signaling a shift toward closer regulatory alignment.
Modernization Through Tech-Driven Policy
Beyond personnel, the funding supports a comprehensive push toward modernization. The SICT is preparing to launch the “Mexican Aeronautical Policy 2026–2040,” the nation’s first such long-term roadmap in over two decades. This policy, developed in consultation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), will set new standards for safety, drone integration, and administrative authority.
Simultaneously, the government is rolling out a 15-year National Air Navigation Plan for SENEAM. By leveraging data analytics and improved technology, this plan seeks to optimize air corridors and shorten flight paths. Such initiatives are expected to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, reflecting a broader trend in the global aviation industry to integrate environmental sustainability into core infrastructure planning. The focus on improved data metrics and operational safety follows a successful year, where Mexico reported 1.09 accidents per million flights, a figure 49% lower than the global average.
Operational Shifts in Airport and Cargo Logistics
The government’s aviation overhaul also touches upon the physical logistics of the sector. Following discussions with the U.S. Department of Transportation, three flight slots at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) have been returned to circulation. While airlines are still in the process of reallocating these slots into their schedules, the industry expects full integration by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the transition of cargo operations to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) continues to be a central talking point. Officials report that cargo carriers have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the facility, specifically praising the airport’s ability to support continuous operations. As the government continues to refine these logistical workflows, the increased budget for AFAC and SENEAM is expected to provide the necessary framework to maintain these gains, ensuring that Mexico’s aviation sector remains competitive, safe, and aligned with international standards through the next decade.
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