Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) ranked fourth in the top 10 airports in Latin America and the Caribbean for cargo handling through 2024, behind only El Dorado, Guarulhos, and Arturo Merino Benítez in Colombia, Brazil, and Chile.
This was announced by Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) when it presented the 2024 ranking of the region’s best-performing airports, based on passenger traffic, aircraft movements, and air cargo.
“Felipe Ángeles International Airport, serving Mexico City, appears for the first time in the rankings of the continent’s main airports, doubling its cargo volume in the last year, and is positioning itself as a new logistics hub in the region. Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport experienced significant growth in air cargo and holds a solid second place on the continent,” he emphasized.
It is worth mentioning that despite the presidential decree that ended dedicated cargo at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) , this infrastructure continues to appear in this ranking , and even with a drop in merchandise handling, it was placed in eighth place.
In 2023 alone , the AICM was in second place despite the already decreasing load, while the AIFA held ninth place.
“It appears for the first time because cargo operations were transferred by official decree, but in reality, AICM has always been among the top 10 in Latin America in the ranking. By transferring all cargo flights to this location, AIFA now assumes the title. However, the interesting thing is that it managed to climb, improve its position, either on its own or due to the cargo movement required by the country. Ultimately, if it’s an imposition, an obligation to move there, that’s the effect,” said Fernando Gómez, an aviation analyst.
In an interview with T21, he commented that given its infrastructure, Felipe Ángeles Airport should have experienced greater growth and dynamism, something AICM would have achieved on its own internationally.
In this regard, he indicated that the Santa Lucía Airport (AIFA) requires greater intermodal connectivity, with road connections between different neighboring municipalities, allowing air cargo to reach its destinations quickly and efficiently.
In 2024, for the first time, El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, has been crowned number one in Latin America and the Caribbean in all three key categories: passengers, aircraft movements, and air cargo.
“In 2024, El Dorado experienced spectacular growth in both passenger traffic and air operations (16% and 13%, respectively), while maintaining its leadership as the continent’s most important cargo hub,” ACI-LAC stated.
According to ACI-LAC, the 2024 rankings reflect the diversity and dynamism of a region where air transport is key to its socioeconomic progress and airports play an increasingly important role as drivers of development.
“The data reflects more than just numbers: it tells a story of dynamism, recovery, effort, and strategic vision. The airports of Latin America and the Caribbean are committed to sustainable growth and a strong commitment to regional and global connectivity,” said Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC.
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