Air cargo traffic in Mexico closed the first half of 2026 (1H26) with an increase of 4.7% compared to the same period in 2025, according to figures from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) .

During the period, 616,193.8 tons were transported , that is, 27,732.5 tons more than from January to June 2025, the agency reported.

During that period, the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) handled 202,469.4 tons compared to 190,232.6 tons in 2025, which represented an increase of 6.4 percent.

Meanwhile, the Toluca International Airport (AIT) registered a 23.8% year-on-year decrease, ending the period with 11,813 tons, 3,696.2 tons less than in the first six months of 2025.

In that cycle, the national cargo volume went from 183,579.7 tons to 182,413.1 tons , which meant a slight decrease of 0.6% year-on-year.

The airports that contributed to this reduction were Guadalajara with a decrease of 4.6%, Tijuana with 4.7%, San Luis Potosí with 12.6%, Hermosillo with 20.7% and Cancún with 4.1% less.

Meanwhile, international cargo registered an annual increase of 7.1% , as it moved 433,780.6 tons during the period.

AFAC specified that during June 2026 the total cargo grew 1.2% , ending with 108,401.2 tons, which meant 1,262.3 tons more than in the same period last year.

AIFA moved 35,206.5 tons in the sixth month of 2026 compared to 37,708.1 tons in June 2025, representing a decrease of 6.6 percent.

Meanwhile, the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) went from 20,433.4 tons in June of last year to 21,217.7 tons in the same month of 2026, an increase of 3.8 percent.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Air cargo in Mexico grows in the first half of 2026: AFAC apareció primero en T21.

Grupo Aeroméxico reported that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled in favor of its alliance with Delta Air Lines  and nullified the order of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) , which terminated the approval of the joint collaboration agreement between both airlines, as well as its antitrust immunity.

Antitrust immunity allows two airlines authorized by the competent authorities to coordinate certain commercial and operational decisions , and without that authorization, they could face restrictions arising from competition laws.

“ As a result, the joint venture agreement and its antitrust immunity remain in effect , allowing Aeromexico and Delta to continue offering greater connectivity, a broader network, more convenient service options, and greater competition for customers traveling between Mexico and the United States,” the company said in a statement.

However, the Mexican airline, led by Andrés Conesa, stated that it is reviewing the Court’s opinion and possible next steps with Delta and its legal advisors.

In September of last year, the United States Department of Transportation decided to terminate the antitrust alliance between Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines, because it considered that  it generated anti-competitive effects , arguing that Mexico had supposedly not respected the Air Transport Agreement signed in 2015 , so the termination would come into effect on January 1, 2026.

“This action is necessary due to the anti-competitive effects in the Mexico City and United States markets, which provide an unfair advantage to Delta and Aeromexico as two dominant competitors and create unacceptable real and potential harm to stakeholders, including consumers,” the agency said.

According to the final document, the DOT explained that the implications go beyond Mexico City,  affecting competition for passengers and cargo operations  in additional markets between the two countries.

In that regard, Aeromexico and Delta went to court and in November 2025 obtained a suspension of the measure while the litigation was being resolved.

The Court’s ruling of August 20 allows the two companies to maintain their cooperation on the routes and services included within the alliance .

For Aeromexico, the court ruling also means the preservation of a cooperation model that is key to strengthening its competitiveness against other airlines that operate routes between the two countries.

It is worth remembering that, in July 2025, the DOT had identified that the limitation of slots (takeoff and landing times) at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM)  and the relocation of dedicated cargo planes to the  Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) allowed the alliance between Delta and Aeroméxico to consolidate its position in passengers and cargo, with the Mexican airline having the largest share in the cross-border cargo market.

At the time, Delta and Aeromexico argued that ending their alliance would lead to the cancellation of routes between Mexico and the United States; in addition, it would cause an economic impact of $800 million and lead to an increase in ticket prices.

For its part, the DOT had argued that continuing the alliance would lead to significant problems, such as higher fares in some markets , stifled innovation, reduced capacity (including frequencies and new routes), difficulties in “doing business” for U.S. airlines, and other impediments for established competitors and new entrants.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo Aeromexico and Delta maintain alliance after US court ruling apareció primero en T21.

As part of its international expansion and with the goal of strengthening connectivity between Mexico and Europe, Aeromexico announced its intention to operate the new route between Mexico City and Milan, Italy.

Giancarlo Mulinelli, the airline’s senior vice president of Global Sales, said that this new destination will strengthen cultural, commercial and business ties between the two countries.

“With this, we will become the only airline in our country to directly connect Mexico City with two of Italy’s most iconic destinations, thus offering greater opportunities to meet a growing demand from passengers traveling for both business and pleasure,” he explained.

The start of this route is planned for March 2027 and will become the second city to operate in that European country, complementing the current service offered from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Rome-Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport.

The route will be operated with 787 Dreamliner aircraft , which will land at Milan-Malpensa International Airport.

In this way, the company will add a total of seven destinations and 10 routes to Europe, which will increase its connectivity options.

The Mexico City–Milan service is currently undergoing government approval, so information related to frequencies and schedules will be published once the corresponding validations are obtained.

“We are very excited to add the city of Milan to our international network, a destination that will allow us to strengthen cultural, commercial and business ties between Mexico and Italy,” Mulinelli concluded.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo Aeromexico seeks to land in Milan apareció primero en T21.

In the first half of 2026 (1H26), Airports and Auxiliary Services (ASA) supplied 2,698 million liters of fuel , through 416,000 aircraft refueling services.

The agency specified that the largest volume supplied was recorded at the stations in Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, San Jose del Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Toluca, Queretaro and Merida.

“During this period, ASA maintained the quality and safety standards established in the national and international regulations applicable to aviation fuel. Ongoing monitoring of the entire supply chain, from receiving the fuel to final delivery to aircraft, ensures a reliable service aligned with industry best practices,” ASA emphasized.

ASA, which reports to the  Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , supplies jet fuel and aviation gas to national and international commercial airlines , cargo aviation companies, executive aviation, general aviation and aircraft for government and state operations.

Furthermore, it has the capacity to respond to increases in consumption during holiday seasons, international events, contingencies, mass events and high air operation seasons.

On average, it delivers 14.8 million liters of jet fuel and aviation gas daily.

“The agency maintains continuity of service through logistical planning, inventory availability and installed operational capacity, and at the same time promotes actions to strengthen the future incorporation of sustainable fuels without affecting operational safety or the reliability of supply,” he stated.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo ASA completes 416,000 aircraft refueling services in the first half of 2026. apareció primero en T21.

Logistics has always sought shortcuts to save time. First there were railroads, then internal combustion engine vehicles, then airplanes, and later sophisticated digital networks capable of tracking shipments in real time. But now, a new technology is looking to make its way into cities: delivery drones .

In Mexico, the conversation has already begun between authorities, companies, and international organizations, although the consensus is clear: before these unmanned aircraft transport goods on a massive scale, it will be necessary to solve an equation where safety comes first.

The promise is appealing. Faster deliveries, greater coverage in hard-to-reach areas , and an alternative for strengthening last-mile logistics are some of the benefits seen in markets where this technology is already in commercial operation. However, its adoption in Mexico still involves a phase of analysis, testing, and regulatory development.

Julio Zugasti, senior associate at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader , believes that the development of this model will depend on demonstrating that its operation can be carried out without risk to third parties . “To a large extent, the safety of people is involved. Misuse or a malfunction that results in property damage, personal harm, or injuries represents one of the most relevant aspects. Compliance with regulations regarding drone operation will be fundamental,” he points out.

This is no small matter. Integrating thousands of devices into the airspace requires defining responsibilities , protocols, and oversight mechanisms to prevent incidents. The challenge lies in opening the door to innovation without compromising the safety of those on the ground or those using the aeronautical system.

Even with these reservations, business interest is growing. Raymundo Garza Belden, CEO of Envia.com , sees opportunities to replicate models already operating in other countries. “ We see the possibility of having fleets like the ones Walmart already has in the United States , where orders are placed on the drone, which travels a certain distance and returns. The complication is that the delivery radius is limited, and when deliveries are made to high-rise buildings, it becomes quite complex. We haven’t ruled it out; we have a project in the works.”

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Delivery drones: the future is already appearing in the sky apareció primero en T21.

Due to an uncertain economic environment, as well as the conflict in the Middle East  and other factors, MERA Corporation , an operator of restaurants and franchises in airports, indicated that these businesses have recorded a decrease in consumption of between 3% and 15% in July 2026 compared to the same month in 2025 .

Juan Pablo Aguirre, vice president of MERA Corporation, explained that even during the World Cup, which took place in Mexico, the United States and Canada, they saw impacts on the economic impact.

“Having the World Cup in different countries is starting to erode the economic impact, and we’re not talking about the same economic benefits that could have been obtained. It’s been a difficult economic year for many sectors, and people are also spending less. What might have been a family traveling domestically for 40,000 or 80,000 pesos a week, was now just two or four tickets for the World Cup,” he explained.

According to the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (CANIRAC) , more than 70% of restaurants did not increase their sales during the World Cup event; in fact, it reported that more than 50% of businesses had an occupancy rate of less than 50 percent.

In an interview with the media, Aguirre specified that some airports have seen an increase in business compared to the same period last year. However, he indicated that to compensate for the decrease, they have implemented strategies such as menu optimization to achieve a more reasonable profit margin and, in turn, offer greater benefits to travelers.

Similarly, he said that each airport requires a commercial strategy, since on several occasions concessionaires charge above-market rents because they have to pay high concession fees.

“Many times they are forced to charge above-market rents, and that creates a very delicate ecosystem. They don’t really understand which premises will be used as restaurants, or they might add too many, and that can diminish the quality,” he stressed.

He also indicated  that an airport group already applies discounts to concessionaires so that, among other things, they can compensate for passing on better prices to customers, “that is one solution.”

MERA Corporation has a presence in the United States, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, and Mexico, where it operates in 15 airports, including Cancun, Merida, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Ciudad Juarez.

Juan Pablo Aguirre did not rule out a possible arrival at an airport in Mexico City ; however, he said that at certain times they have arrived “late to the bidding processes. It would be very beneficial for these contracts to have a more continuous frequency, with longer contract durations, to further incentivize the Metropolitan Area.”

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @Evangelina del Toro  /  @GrupoT21

El cargo Airport spending declines amid economic uncertainty apareció primero en T21.

The restoration of Middle Eastern networks and strong performance in North America primarily drove an 8.5% growth in global air cargo during June 2026 compared to the same month in 2025.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), during that period capacity —measured in available cargo tonnes per kilometer (ACTK)— increased by 4.4% year-on-year (4.9% in international operations).

“Demand growth outpaced capacity globally and in all regions except Latin America and the Caribbean. The acceleration in demand also outpaced the growth of global trade, driven by high-value technology products and urgent shipments,” IATA explained.

According to IATA, North American airlines saw a 13.1% year-on-year increase , while capacity rose 6.2% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, airlines in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a 3.5% increase in June 2026 , the weakest performance globally. Capacity increased 9.8% year-on-year.

Those in Asia-Pacific increased 7.9% year-on-year and capacity rose 4.3% year-on-year.

“Although this is positive news for the second half of 2026, risks remain, including the conflict in the Middle East and the renewed interest of the United States in tariffs,” he commented.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo Global air cargo “takes off” in June apareció primero en T21.

Starting in August 2026, the second phase of the comprehensive remodeling and modernization of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) began , which will be developed during the rest of the year and throughout 2027.

“This phase aims to strengthen the airport’s capacity to meet increased passenger demand, improve the travel experience, and maintain the highest international standards of operational efficiency, safety, and punctuality,” reported Grupo Aeroportuario Marina .

He indicated that the works have resumed after the conclusion of the World Cup, without suspending aircraft landing and takeoff operations and “minimizing the possible impacts on travelers.”

He explained that work continues in various operational areas and in the terminal buildings , which, due to their characteristics, were not interrupted and will be completed during this period.

Among the works planned for this second phase are the expansion of waiting rooms and the construction of a corridor to separate passenger flows in the national area of ​​Terminal 1.

Terminal 2 will undergo an upgrade to its air conditioning system , an expansion of its parking garage, and the leveling of its vehicle ramps. Additionally, a new Command and Control Center is under construction to enhance airport security.

For both terminals, the lightning and fire protection systems will be modernized, and new security equipment for baggage screening (CT scanners) will be incorporated, as well as additional equipment for document validation at passenger inspection stations, among other works.

According to Grupo Aeroportuario Marina, the AICM (Mexico City International Airport) handled 3,531,915 passengers in June 2026, representing a 2.2% decrease compared to the same month in 2025, when it transported 3,610,705 travelers.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo Second phase of remodeling of the AICM begins apareció primero en T21.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Saadia Zahidi has been appointed as the organization’s director general , making her the first woman to hold this position, which she will assume on November 1, 2026.

Saadia Zahidi joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) , where she served as  CEO and Board Member .

“Saadia’s long and distinguished experience at the World Economic Forum will strengthen IATA as the voice of the world’s airlines. Global air transport is a trillion-dollar industry that has changed and continues to change the world for the better. This appointment comes at a time of significant change in the international environment. Technology and geopolitics, among other things, will transform the industry in the future, and Saadia brings the right skills to effectively articulate what our industry needs to continue connecting people and economies safely, efficiently, and sustainably. He will bring a fresh perspective that will enhance his support for the airline industry, building on his well-established technical, financial, and data capabilities,” said Roberto Alvo, Chairman of the IATA Board of Trustees and CEO of LATAM Airlines Group .

Willie Walsh, former Director General of IATA, completed his duties on July 31, 2026. The IATA Board of Trustees has appointed Sandrine Le Borgne, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, as interim Director General for the interim period.

“I thank Willie for his exceptional leadership, which helped IATA emerge from the COVID-19 years stronger and with a more representative membership than ever before. We now look forward to Saadia taking IATA’s work to even greater heights,” Alvo said.

Zahidi spent more than two decades at the World Economic Forum , where she was a managing director and a member of the Board of Trustees. She founded and currently directs the Center for the New Economy and Society.

She previously led the WEF’s Global Communications Group, the Global Programming Group, and the WEF’s collaboration with academia, civil society, and international organizations. She also founded and co-authored the WEF’s Future of Jobs Reports, Future of Growth Reports, Global Gender Gap Reports, and Lead Economists’ Outlook. She has served on the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment and the European Space Agency’s High-Level Advisory Group. She is the author of “Fifty Million Rising,” which chronicles the rise of working women in the Muslim world.

In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Smith College, an MPhil in International Economics from The Graduate Institute, and an MPA from Harvard University. She holds both Swiss and Pakistani citizenship.

“It is an honor for me to help advance IATA’s mission to represent, lead, and serve the airline industry at this crucial time. Aviation is a critical infrastructure for economic growth, trade, tourism, jobs, investment, and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, IATA’s role in uniting the industry to collaborate through trusted standards, essential services, and advocacy has never been more important. I look forward to working closely with our member airlines, governments, and partner ecosystem to build on IATA’s remarkable foundation, ensuring that aviation continues to connect the world while embracing innovation, strengthening resilience, and advancing sustainable growth. Together, we can extend the benefits of connectivity to more people and economies around the globe. My top priority will be working with the IATA team and the industry to build the future of aviation together,” Zahidi emphasized.

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo Saadia Zahidi will lead IATA; she will be the first woman to head this organization apareció primero en T21.

Aeromexico Cargo installed its first freezer chamber  at the domestic warehouse facilities of Terminal 2 at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) , increasing its capacity to handle cargo that requires temperature control.

This equipment, located at its main operations center, has a capacity of 100 cubic meters and is designed to store different products at temperatures as low as -30° C during connection times at the AICM.

“Its addition will strengthen the company’s logistical capacity to meet a growing demand for perishable products, especially in the food sector, where temperature control is essential to preserve its quality during the transport phase,” the company said.

In this way, the company will guarantee the continuity of the cold chain during the transfer of perishable goods, under the highest quality and safety standards in the industry.

Among the main products that can be stored in this new infrastructure are frozen meat, seafood and fish, frozen bread for commercial storage and ultra-frozen bread .

“Freezing chambers play an essential role in international air cargo logistics, as they facilitate compliance with international regulations and directly influence operational efficiency and service quality,” he explained.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , more than 13% of food produced globally is lost before reaching the consumer, which is why specialized cold chain infrastructure has become a strategic element for international logistics.

Aeroméxico Cargo currently operates an average of 450 daily cargo flights . With this, the company reaffirms its commitment to innovation and operational efficiency to continue consolidating its position as one of the leading air cargo carriers in Mexico.

The cold chain logistics market in the country is a key sector for agribusiness, health and international trade, with an estimated value of seven billion 040 million dollars (USD) in 2025 and a projection of seven billion 390 million USD in 2026, reaching nine billion 380 million USD in 2031, according to the consulting firm Mordor Intelligence .

Comment and follow us on LinkedIn:  @GrupoT21

El cargo Sub-zero logistics: Aeromexico Cargo installs its first freezer chamber at AICM apareció primero en T21.