Air cargo in Latin America maintains a positive trend during 2026, with a growth of 3.6% in the first half of 2026 (1H26), driven by the dynamism of exports and greater global demand for products from the region; however, it faces a challenge: insufficient airport capacity .

Peter Cerdá, executive director and CEO of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , indicated that despite an environment marked by high fuel costs, the outlook for cargo remains favorable.

“The cargo is growing in a positive way, especially considering the high cost of fuel. Exports are increasing, and every day the products from this region are becoming more important and sought after worldwide,” he stated in an interview with T21.

However, he stated that future growth will depend largely on the ability of governments and airport administrators to accelerate infrastructure investments.

“We need to improve the infrastructure because demand requires it, so capacity will be important in that growth and we have to work with the government on a medium and long-term plan,” he said.

Cerdá warned that 54% of Latin American airports already have saturation problems , a situation that can limit both passenger transport and the movement of goods.

In the case of Mexico, he considered it essential to move forward with a long-term plan to strengthen airport capacity . While acknowledging that Mexico City International Airport (AICM) requires improvements to meet demand, he emphasized that the challenge is regional.

He specified that there are expansion and modernization needs at strategic airports such as El Dorado in Bogotá; Guarulhos in São Paulo; as well as in Lima, Peru, where work remains to be done, and Santiago, Chile. He also highlighted the investment announcements recently made in Argentina.

AIFA positions itself among the cargo ships 

Regarding the possibility of cargo airlines returning to the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Cerdá assured that most operators are happy at the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) .

According to the executive, after a complex adaptation process following the transfer of cargo operations from AICM, companies have found favorable conditions at AIFA , particularly in terms of available infrastructure, operational capacity and absence of congestion.

“The cargo carriers are very happy at AIFA. I don’t think there will be many changes. There are a few specific companies that want to move, but most want to stay at AIFA; there’s good infrastructure and no problems with slots (takeoff and landing times),” he emphasized.

In that context, he argued that the positive aspect is that air cargo in Mexico continues to grow and that AIFA is playing an increasingly important role in logistics, unlike other airports in the region.

In the first half of 2026, AIFA handled 202,469.4 tons compared to 190,232.6 tons in the same period of 2025, which represented an increase of 6.4 percent.

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El cargo Air cargo is “taking off” in Latin America, but faces congested airports: ALTA apareció primero en T21.

Cargo aviation will maintain a trajectory of sustained expansion over the next two decades. According to Airbus ‘s Global Cargo Market Forecast 2026 , the global fleet of dedicated freighters will grow by 46%, from 2,360 aircraft in 2025 to 3,460 in 2045 , driven by increased international trade, e-commerce , and fleet renewal.

Presented at the Cargo Facts Symposium , the analysis forecasts that 2,670 cargo aircraft will be required over the next 20 years . Of that total, 1,580 aircraft will be used to replace existing aircraft, while 1,090 will meet the growing global demand for air cargo.

The European manufacturer estimated that demand will be distributed among 1,140 single-aisle freighters, 860 medium-wide-body aircraft and 670 large-wide-body freighters, reflecting the needs of different markets and operational profiles.

He indicated that 1,700 cargo planes will be modifications of passenger planes, while 970 will be newly manufactured.

The company projected that global trade will grow at a compound annual rate of 2.9%, while air cargo traffic will advance at a higher rate of 3.2% annually until 2045. This will occur despite an environment marked by high fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and persistent pressures on supply chains.

“Although air cargo represents less than 1% of the volume of global trade by weight, it carries more than 30% of total trade by value, proving to be a vital mode of transport for goods requiring the fastest routes to market. In the last three years, the value of computers and high-tech products shipped by air has doubled, reaching 15% by 2026. Other factors driving e-commerce and air transport, seen as an alternative to traditional shipping for some products, are also contributing to this growth,” he explained.

Added to this is the continued growth of e-commerce, which continues to favor fast delivery logistics solutions.

Geographically, Asia-Pacific will continue to lead international air cargo traffic , particularly on routes to North America, which will register the highest growth rate at 3.8% annually. Europe will remain the second most important market for these intercontinental operations.

North America will lead the demand for new aircraft  with an estimated requirement of 925 freighters, followed by Asia-Pacific with 850. Together, these two regions will account for nearly two-thirds of global demand. Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) will require 515 aircraft, while Latin America will need 165, the Middle East 125, and Africa 90.

Technological upgrades will be another driving force in the market . Airbus has anticipated a gradual retirement of older-generation freighters to make way for more fuel-efficient and emission-reducing aircraft. In this context, models like the A350F and the conversions of the A320, A321, and A330 families will seek to capitalize on an industry that, despite global uncertainty, continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and long-term expansion prospects.

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El cargo Airbus forecasts a 46% increase in its global freighter fleet by 2045 apareció primero en T21.

The decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to lift restrictions preventing Mexican airlines from opening new routes from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) represents a direct boost for air cargo , expanding operational capacity, strengthening connectivity with the U.S. market, and creating new alternatives for importers and exporters.

This was confirmed by the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , which celebrated the decision due to the benefits it will bring to the movement of goods between Mexico and the United States.

The agency noted that in 2023, dedicated cargo handling was transferred by decree to AIFA , which allowed that terminal to consolidate its position as the country’s main cargo hub . However, the concentration of operations also limited some logistical options for users requiring greater connectivity from the country’s interior.

With the new DOT ruling, Mexican and US cargo airlines will be able to apply again for slots at AICM , expanding the options for planning operations and taking advantage of the infrastructure of both airports.

“By 2026, we are moving 40% more air cargo in electronic components and machinery. We need both airports operating at full capacity, not one against the other. AIFA and AICM are complementary,” he emphasized.

Another advantage identified by Amacarga is the strengthening of connectivity to major logistics hubs in the United States. Greater availability of routes and frequencies will improve connections to key markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Chicago , facilitating supply chain integration and reducing transit times for users.

The agency acknowledged the coordinated work of the Secretariats of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) , whose efforts made it possible to meet the bilateral commitments related to the allocation of slots and operating rights.

It is worth remembering that on October 16, the SICT reported that the DOT decided to revoke the restrictions that prevented Mexican airlines from opening new flights from AIFA and AICM to the United States, thus reopening the possibility of developing routes and frequencies to and from the US market.

The measure revokes Order 213-2, through which the DOT had restricted existing, proposed and future operations of Mexican carriers.

El cargo Revocation of US restrictions will boost air cargo: Amacarga apareció primero en T21.

The decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to lift restrictions preventing Mexican airlines from opening new routes from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) represents a direct boost for air cargo , expanding operational capacity, strengthening connectivity with the U.S. market, and creating new alternatives for importers and exporters.

This was confirmed by the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , which celebrated the decision due to the benefits it will bring to the movement of goods between Mexico and the United States.

The agency noted that in 2023, dedicated cargo handling was transferred by decree to AIFA , which allowed that terminal to consolidate its position as the country’s main cargo hub . However, the concentration of operations also limited some logistical options for users requiring greater connectivity from the country’s interior.

With the new DOT ruling, Mexican and US cargo airlines will be able to apply again for slots at AICM , expanding the options for planning operations and taking advantage of the infrastructure of both airports.

“By 2026, we are moving 40% more air cargo in electronic components and machinery. We need both airports operating at full capacity, not one against the other. AIFA and AICM are complementary,” he emphasized.

Another advantage identified by Amacarga is the strengthening of connectivity to major logistics hubs in the United States. Greater availability of routes and frequencies will improve connections to key markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Chicago , facilitating supply chain integration and reducing transit times for users.

The agency acknowledged the coordinated work of the Secretariats of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) , whose efforts made it possible to meet the bilateral commitments related to the allocation of slots and operating rights.

It is worth remembering that on October 16, the SICT reported that the DOT decided to revoke the restrictions that prevented Mexican airlines from opening new flights from AIFA and AICM to the United States, thus reopening the possibility of developing routes and frequencies to and from the US market.

The measure revokes Order 213-2, through which the DOT had restricted existing, proposed and future operations of Mexican carriers.

El cargo Revocation of US restrictions will boost air cargo: Amacarga apareció primero en T21.

Despite the growth of the airline industry in Latin America, for the last 10 years it has faced obstacles to its expansion: higher taxes, rising operating costs and an infrastructure that does not grow at the same rate as the market .

Peter Cerdá, executive director and CEO of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , specified that between January and July 2026, passenger traffic in the region grew 2%, air cargo increased 3.6% and operations advanced 2.7%, in addition to the opening of more than 90 new routes compared to the same period in 2025.

However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, such as a growing tax burden on passengers and insufficient investment in airport infrastructure.

“The challenges remain the same. Today, more than half of the region’s flights operate in congested airports. There are more than 160 legislative initiatives that go against the sector, and the region continues to have the highest taxes, fees, and charges in the world. We cannot go another 10 years without making progress on these issues; as an industry, we need a stronger alliance with the region’s governments,” said Cerdá at the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum 2026 .

He warned that in several markets, passengers are paying more in taxes , duties, and fees than for the air transport service itself. The case of Mexico stands out as one of the most representative examples.

Currently, taxes and fees account for 65.2% of the cost of a domestic ticket and 59.3% of an international one. This means that a large portion of the final price of the trip is not related to the air service itself, but rather to government and airport charges.

The situation could worsen with the planned increase in the Non-Resident Duty (DNR) for 2027. According to ALTA’s calculations, Mexico already has the highest costs among the markets analyzed , with approximately $131 in charges applied to each foreign passenger. With the announced adjustment, that figure will climb to $141.

For the industry, measures of this kind have a direct impact on competitiveness . Each new charge increases ticket prices, reduces accessibility to air travel, and diminishes destinations’ ability to attract visitors, investment, and new routes.

He indicated that airlines are also facing a significant increase in their operating costs, particularly fuel. In just one year, this item rose from representing 28% to 38% of total operating costs . At the same time, the fuel bill increased by 79%, reducing the financial margins of an industry that has historically operated with limited profitability.

In this context, ALTA considered that each new tax or regulation becomes even more relevant, as it adds to an increasingly heavy cost structure for airlines.

Furthermore, he highlighted that more than half of Latin America’s flights currently operate at congested or severely congested airports. This situation affects several of the region’s major hubs , where demand already exceeds the available capacity to handle aircraft, passengers, and cargo.

In that regard, Cerdá considered that the region needs to accelerate investments in airports, expand terminals, modernize facilities and develop long-term projects capable of supporting the expected growth in demand.

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El cargo Taxes, fuel and infrastructure: the main challenges for aviation in Latin America apareció primero en T21.

So far, no cargo airline has requested to resume operations at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) ,  despite the federal government’s assertion that conditions exist to receive this type of operation again during off-peak hours.

Juan José Padilla Olmos, general director of the AICM, explained that the infrastructure that previously served cargo planes still exists, although some adjustments would be necessary to meet the current needs of companies.

“It must be remembered that the infrastructure was in place to receive those aircraft. We will probably have to make some adjustments to adapt to the new needs,” he said after participating in the ceremony for the 70th anniversary of the creation of the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, currently the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) .

The executive noted that cargo operations could be carried out during off-peak hours , primarily during the early morning, when there is a lower concentration of commercial flights.

“The slot window in the early morning runs approximately from 11:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. there are not as many flights,” he explained.

Padilla Olmos argued that the capital’s airport no longer faces the saturation levels that prompted the departure of cargo planes to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) , due to the modernization works carried out at the terminal.

Jesús Esteva, head of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , reiterated that there are currently operational spaces available and therefore the availability of slots was extended during the early morning.

However, he acknowledged that cargo companies based at AIFA have not shown interest in returning to the capital’s airport. As an example, he mentioned Atlas Air , whose representatives highlighted the operational advantages they currently find at Santa Lucía.

“They have no intention of returning; on the contrary, they thank us for strengthening AIFA, the efficiency in customs, and the growth they are seeing in the transport of electronics,” he commented.

Esteva emphasized that, although the government raised the possibility of resuming operations at the AICM, no company has requested spaces so far .

Regarding the potential addition of new routes and frequencies following the lifting of restrictions by the United States, Padilla Olmos indicated that the AFAC will be responsible for reporting on any applications submitted, while the airport will remain prepared to handle any increase in demand.

In that regard, the AICM will continue with its infrastructure remodeling and expansion program, which includes improvements to waiting rooms, warehouses and new taxiways to expedite the movement of aircraft on the apron and runways.

It is worth remembering that on October 16, the SICT reported that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) decided to revoke the restrictions that prevented Mexican airlines from opening new flights from AIFA and AICM to the United States, thus reopening the possibility of developing routes and frequencies to and from the US market.

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El cargo Cargo airlines have shown no interest in returning to Mexico City International Airport (AICM), authorities say. apareció primero en T21.

Despite facing the highest fuel prices in the history of the airline industry, Aeromexico reported an operating margin of 12% in the third quarter and anticipated revenue growth of nearly 20% by the end of this year.

Andrés Conesa, CEO of the airline, highlighted that companies are facing unprecedented pressure due to the rising cost of jet fuel , which currently costs five dollars per gallon.

The executive explained that Aeromexico’s annual fuel purchase cost will increase from around one billion dollars to 1.7 billion dollars.

However, he asserted that the resilience of travel demand has offset much of that impact. Although the company lowered its outlook for the fourth quarter due to rising fuel costs and the peso’s depreciation against the dollar, it maintains expectations of growth and strong cash flow generation.

“Despite the fuel situation, we are projecting to close the year with a cash level identical to that of 2025, without taking on debt and without reducing investments,” Conesa said in an interview during his participation in the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum.

In this regard, he stated that the airline maintains its investment plans in Boeing 787 aircraft, technology and operational improvements, including projects at Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

The executive acknowledged that the rise in operating costs is already being reflected in airfare prices. In addition to fuel, Aeroméxico is facing increases in labor costs linked to inflation.

Even so, he maintained that rates, in real terms, remain below the levels seen a decade ago and that the company retains a competitive position.

“We have been affected by about 60%, we are paying the highest fuel prices in the history of aviation, although oil is not at its highest level like all refined products, so it has to be reflected in prices (tickets),” he said.

The World Cup affected traffic

Conesa revealed that the recently held World Cup had a negative impact of approximately $25 million on revenue for Aeromexico, mainly due to a temporary reduction in business travel.

He explained that during the Mexican National Team’s matches, corporate travel to key markets such as Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mérida, and Tijuana decreased, as part of the demand shifted to the sporting event.

However, he noted that the World Cup also spurred investments of nearly $400 million in airport infrastructure and motivated improvements in the passenger experience.

New routes on the way

Regarding the end of US restrictions, Aeromexico announced that it is working to obtain the necessary authorizations to soon announce a first package of new international routes.

Although he avoided revealing the destinations due to a lack of regulatory permits and slot availability, he indicated that some operations could start in early 2027 and others towards the summer season.

Conesa noted that one of the issues that continues to be under observation by the US aeronautical authorities is the budget of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC).

While expressing confidence that Mexico will retain Category 1 air safety status, he stressed that it will be the responsibility of the authorities to ensure that the agency has the necessary resources to maintain internationally required standards.

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El cargo Global situation, fuel and exchange rates affect Aeromexico’s operations apareció primero en T21.

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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El cargo AFAC will have a record budget; SICT is preparing a new aeronautical policy for 2040 apareció primero en T21.

Almost three years after the mandatory transfer of cargo operations from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) , cargo companies maintain a positive evaluation of their operations at the airfield located in Santa Lucía .

Peter Cerdá, executive director and CEO of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , indicated that although the move represented an operational challenge, the adaptation has been consolidated and today the operating conditions offer advantages over the limitations they had at the AICM.

“Cargo carriers are the primary operators at the airport. Things have been improving; we’ve been operating for two and a half years now, and the operation has been efficient. We haven’t received any complaints from our members about switching from one airport to another,” he emphasized.

It is worth remembering that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) confirmed on October 16 that any airline from that country will resume or begin cargo flights to the AICM, as part of the commitments that the Mexican federal administration acquired to comply with the bilateral air agreement.

According to a DOT document, since May 1, this agency and the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) concluded a Memorandum of Consultation (MOC) that detailed the actions necessary to restore the full implementation of the agreement.

Peter Cerdá mentioned that, so far, cargo airlines have not expressed interest in returning to Mexico City International Airport (AICM) . “We are facing slot issues , severe congestion, operational inefficiencies, and offering alternatives for a return is not in the sector’s best interest. However, if there are companies interested in returning, they have the right to do so.”

In a press conference prior to the start of the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum , which is being held in Mexico City until October 20, he noted that US companies currently operate at various airports.

In that regard, he highlighted that companies like FedEx maintain operations in Toluca, while UPS and Amerijet operate at AIFA.

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El cargo Cargo operations at AIFA are efficient: HIGH apareció primero en T21.

The airline industry warned that any increase in costs associated with air navigation services must be coordinated with the sector , especially in a context marked by the audit of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and by the investment needs facing the Mexican aeronautical system.

Peter Cerdá, executive director and CEO of the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , stated that the 10% increase in airspace usage fees that the Mexican government will implement starting next year is worrying.

“It is worrying because it has been done in a way that the government announced it was reducing resources for Seneam (Air Navigation Services in Mexican Airspace) and AFAC ( Federal Civil Aviation Agency) , especially at a time when the FAA audit is being carried out,” he stressed.

Therefore, he considered that any modification to the collection schemes should be carried out under a transparent process and agreed upon with the various actors in the industry .

“Increasing costs should be the result of coordination with the sector,” he reiterated at a press conference prior to the start of the ALTA AGM & Airline Leaders Forum , which is being held in Mexico City.

He emphasized that there is ongoing communication with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , as well as ongoing discussions with the federal government to define the path that will guarantee the financial sustainability of air navigation services.

“We have good communication with the Secretariat, but we are in talks with the government about how air traffic services will be financed, which are not only critical from an operational point of view, but also for air safety,” he commented.

On October 13, the Chamber of Deputies approved, in general terms , with 329 votes in favor, 117 against and zero abstentions, the ruling that reforms, adds and repeals various provisions of the Federal Law of Rights, in which article 289 is modified regarding the fees for the use, enjoyment or exploitation of Mexican airspace, through local, national or international aeronautical activities.

The above was proposed in the 2027 Economic Package , where the federal government justified the increase by pointing out that in recent years there has been an increase in the volume of cargo, passenger and general aviation operations, in addition to the need for a reconfiguration of the airport system, routes, procedures and service coverage, and an increase in personnel.

“The revenue generated will allow for greater investment in the sector, resulting in tangible benefits for all national and international operators using Mexican airspace, such as reduced delays through the use of modern air traffic management systems, optimization of more direct and efficient routes, and greater operational safety,” he explained.

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El cargo The airline industry is concerned about rising costs to finance navigation services. apareció primero en T21.