The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) is preparing to strengthen its regulatory and oversight capacity with the largest budget in its history. By 2027, the agency will have 1.4 billion pesos (MXN) , allowing it to hire more specialized personnel.
Jesús Esteva, head of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , indicated that these resources will allow for the strengthening of the Federal Police (AFAC), as it will have 900 professionals by the end of the current administration, 100 of whom will join this year . Furthermore, the number of inspectors recruited will have almost quadrupled by next year compared to 2024.
“We will have a Federal Civil Aviation Agency stronger than ever. In 2027, it will receive the largest budget in its history, 1.4 billion pesos, which is 56% more than it received in 2025. So we will have a larger budget, more staff, and better training,” he stated.
In an interview following his participation in the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum , he said that the budget increase is being analyzed by the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) with the Congress of the Union.
He also emphasized that budget increases are planned for Air Navigation Services in Mexican Airspace (Seneam) , the amounts of which will be announced later.
The strengthening of aeronautical authority comes at a crucial time, following the audit conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) . Mexican authorities indicated that there are 21 technical and administrative findings that must be addressed within the established deadlines, although they declined to provide details because the process is still underway.
In parallel, Jesús Esteva announced that the Mexican Aeronautical Policy 2026-2040 will be published in the coming weeks , a roadmap that will be announced after 25 years, which was built together with the industry and the methodology of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) .
At the same time, the government developed the first 15-year National Air Navigation Plan , with the aim of modernizing airspace management, optimizing routes, reducing delays and decreasing fuel consumption.
Cargo planes at AICM only during off-peak hours
Regarding the end of the restrictions by the United States, Esteva recalled that three slots have already been restored to US airlines at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) , although they have not yet been used.
However, he clarified that the operating hours for cargo ships at said infrastructure will be those that are not saturated.
“In non-saturated spaces, this does not contravene any decree that stated that the AICM was saturated and required all operations to leave, except for cargo arriving on passenger planes,” he emphasized.
He also stated that there is a possibility of opening between 10 and 12 new air routes in a first stage, mainly from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) , where there is greater availability of operational capacity.
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