Air cargo transport in Mexico maintains a positive trend during 2026, registering five consecutive months of growth , driven by the international market, mainly from Asia.

According to figures from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) , between January and May of this year 507,792.5 tons of cargo were moved, representing an increase of 5.5% compared to the 481,322.3 tons reported in the same period of 2025.

Of the country’s top 10 airports, the largest growth was recorded by the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) , as it ended the period with 167,262.9 tons, that is, 14,738.5 tons more.

Meanwhile, the Toluca International Airport (AIT) experienced a 27.2% year-on-year decline, going from 13,151.5 tons in the January-May 2025 cycle to 9,580.4 tons in the same period of 2026.

AFAC specified that at the domestic level there was a year-on-year drop of 0.5% , as it ended with 151,170 tons during the comparison period, that is, 759.6 tons less.

The airports of Guadalajara, Tijuana, San Luis Potosí, Hermosillo and Cancún showed a decrease during that period, with 2.1%, 4.7%, 10.6%, 23.1% and 3.9%, respectively.

Meanwhile, the international market increased by 8.3% year-on-year , rising from 329,392.7 tons to 356,622.5 tons. AIFA remains the leading airport in cargo traffic, with an 11.3% increase from January to May of this year compared to the same period in 2015.

The agency indicated that the fastest growing routes were Shanghai-AIFA with a 42.3% increase , Mexico-Madrid with 19.5% more, Saint Lucia-Frankfurt with a 1.5% increase, and Memphis-Guadalajara with 15.3 percent.

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El cargo Air cargo in Mexico marks its fifth consecutive month of growth: AFAC apareció primero en T21.

The Danish firm DSV is redefining the global logistics landscape and positioning Mexico as one of its strategic markets . As the company accelerates its expansion plans and seeks to strengthen air connectivity with the United States, it faces a challenge it considers crucial: the security of cargo transport and capacity directly to and from Mexico.

The growth of Mexico’s airport infrastructure, especially at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) , has opened new opportunities for the industry. However, the risks of cargo theft during ground transportation continue to be a concern, notes Mikkel Hendriksen, Air Manager at DSV.

“We can’t eliminate the risk, but we can reduce it in several processes. The market in Mexico is developing at AIFA. We have to improve security in various parts of the logistics chain, not only to protect the cargo, but also the people involved,” he stated in an interview with T21.

Therefore, the company has implemented security protocols for the past two years to reduce the risk of theft in the vicinity of AIFA and on other routes. However, it believes there are still areas for improvement in strengthening the protection of its logistics chains.

“The airport has the infrastructure, capacity, and space to grow. We’ve brought clients here to see the facilities, and they’ve been pleasantly surprised. What doesn’t work is when we take certain goods out on the highway,” he points out.

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El cargo Mexico, a key market for growth: DSV apareció primero en T21.

Air Canada announced Anko Van der Werff as its next president and chief executive officer, and a member of the Board, who will assume that position at the end of January 2027.

Van der Werff succeeds Michael Rousseau, who previously announced his retirement in March of this year after 19 years with the company, following an accident involving one of the airline’s planes at LaGuardia Airport in New York, and the controversy he caused by announcing his condolences only in English.

Vagn Sørensen, chairman of the firm’s board, mentioned that this change will drive growth and transformation to generate more value, while maintaining its commitment to a disciplined allocation of capital.

“Our Board of Directors was impressed by the quality of experienced executives from around the world who expressed interest in the position. We are delighted to have attracted and recruited an executive of Van der Werff’s caliber to lead Air Canada. He possesses exceptional international aviation experience and a proven track record of 25 years, including his most recent and visionary executive leadership at Scandinavian Airlines, Avianca Group, and Aeroméxico, and previously at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (now Air France-KLM) and Qatar Airways,” he explained.

Anko Van der Werff has over 25 years of leadership experience in international airlines, having held senior positions in Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prior to joining Air Canada, he was President and CEO of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, leading the airline through a significant period of transformation and strategic renewal.

He also served as CEO of Avianca, one of Latin America’s leading airlines. Early in his career, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Aeroméxico , held senior commercial management positions at Qatar Airways , and occupied various executive roles at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

He also served on the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) until June 2026 and has served on the boards of directors of several international organizations in the aviation, technology, and business sectors. He holds a Master of Laws degree from Leiden University and completed executive studies at Harvard Business School.

“Air Canada is a leading airline recognized globally. It is an honor to be chosen to lead this iconic Canadian company as it drives its ambitions and strategy, builds on its award-winning employee culture and customer value proposition, and prepares for an even brighter future,” said Anko Van der Werff.

Sørensen, for his part, thanked Michael Rousseau for “his exceptional leadership and extraordinary contributions, which are largely responsible for Air Canada’s enviable position among global airlines. We are grateful for that legacy and his support during the transition.”

Rousseau’s retirement will be effective from August 31, 2026. He will remain available as needed throughout the transition. Following his departure and during the transition period, the Executive Committee will keep the Board of Directors informed.

The airline stated that Van der Werff’s selection follows an extensive global search for the best person to lead Air Canada into the future and considered several performance criteria, including the ability to communicate in French. A native of the Netherlands, he speaks Dutch, as well as English, Spanish, Italian, and Swedish at varying levels.

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El cargo Air Canada appoints Anko Van der Werff as its president and chief executive officer apareció primero en T21.

The Mexican government hopes that the restrictions imposed by the United States on the country’s airlines, for an alleged breach of the bilateral air transport agreement, will end before the next winter season.

“We responded to their requests to comply with the executive orders, and we are waiting. In reality, we have practically addressed what was within our purview regarding the requests they made, and we are waiting for them to evaluate it,” stated Jesús Esteva, head of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT).

Following his appearance in the Chamber of Deputies, he explained that they are only waiting for a response from the   United States Department of Transportation (DOT) , since Mexico has already addressed the requests made by that authority, including regulatory and normative adjustments.

“It has progressed and we are waiting. I hope it will be before (winter). The agreement with them was to respond, and a memorandum of understanding was signed, which we made public, and we are waiting,” he specified.

The official said that so far they do not have a figure for economic losses due to these restrictions; “in reality, the sanctions were a restriction of having to notify about the flights and not opening more.”

In October 2025, the SICT reported that the DOF imposed the cancellation of 11 scheduled routes  from the  Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA)  and the  Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM)  to the United States.

In addition, the executive order  temporarily prohibits applications for new routes or increased frequencies from AIFA and AICM  to US territory, a measure that will remain in effect until further notice.

A second order issued by the DOT contemplates the prohibition of permits for the transport of combined cargo on passenger flights between the AICM and the United States.

Last May, the SICT reported that equitable conditions were agreed upon for the use of the AICM and AIFA infrastructure  for air cargo , with the aim of strengthening logistical connectivity between both countries; however, flight restrictions to US territory will continue.

At that time, Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, said that a consensus had been reached on a path forward for Mexico to comply with the 2015 Air Transport Agreement.

“This is a step in the right direction, but we need to see these promises translated into action. Until then, our restriction on Mexican airlines will remain in place,” he said.

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El cargo Mexico expects the US to end restrictions on airlines before the end of 2026 apareció primero en T21.

LATAM Airlines Group added 13 state-of-the-art aircraft to its fleet and plans to receive another 28 before the end of 2026, which will close the year with more than 40 new aircraft of this type, strengthening its operational efficiency and capacity.

“Fleet renewal is one of the most important investments we are making as a group, because it allows us to grow more efficiently and better respond to the region’s connectivity needs. South America has domestic markets with enormous potential for development, and having a more flexible and diverse fleet gives us the reach we need to be there,” said Sebastián Acuto, Vice President of Fleet and Projects at LATAM Airlines Group.

By the end of 2026, LATAM projects reaching 410 delivered aircraft , consolidating one of the largest commercial fleets in the world. In the second half of the year, it will continue receiving Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft , which will be joined, for the first time, by Embraer E190-E2s. These will strengthen the domestic network in Brazil, providing greater operational flexibility to serve different markets.

The fleet renewal plan will continue in 2027 with the addition of new aircraft, including the first Airbus A321XLR that LATAM will operate. This model will allow for expanded range on nonstop medium-haul routes, opening new connectivity opportunities for South America.

By the end of the decade, LATAM plans to add up to 130 additional aircraft from various manufacturers. This will mean that by 2030, more than 50% of its fleet will consist of state-of-the-art models.

These aircraft allow for a reduction of between 20% and 25% in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to previous generations, according to data from their manufacturers, in addition to optimizing fuel consumption, contributing to an increasingly efficient operation and to the LATAM group’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

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El cargo LATAM Airlines “takes off” in the modernization and expansion of its fleet apareció primero en T21.

Turkish Cargo presented TK AUTO, a logistics product specially developed for the sensitive and urgent transport needs of the automotive industry .

Ali Türk, Turkish Airlines’ Cargo Director, said the goal is to offer a comprehensive structure capable of meeting the diverse operational requirements of the sector and efficiently managing sensitive processes ranging from the timely transport of critical spare parts that support production continuity to high-value vehicle operations.

“While our booking processes are supported by digital integration, our on-site operations are carried out by expert teams and defined procedures. With this dedicated structure, we provide not only the speed requirements of the automotive industry, but also production continuity and greater visibility into transportation processes,” he explained.

This new option has two segments. TK AUTO PART is designed for the fast, reliable, and flexible transport of critical automotive components needed in both manufacturing and aftermarket operations, including engine and transmission components, braking systems, airbags, and electric vehicle equipment.

The executive explained that shipments within this service are handled with priority cargo procedures compared to general cargo, helping to ensure the uninterrupted continuity of production processes.

While TK AUTO FINISHED has been developed for the transport of motorized passenger cars , electric vehicles, prototypes and test vehicles, as well as luxury and premium segment cars, in addition to special vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, Sea-Doos and Ski-Doos.

This service offers support from a specialist team, improved operating processes, and tailored vehicle transport solutions:

• Special loading plans and support: Before each shipment, loading scenarios tailored to the specific vehicle type are prepared. Loadmaster’s certified teams manage the loading, securing, and unloading processes on-site , ensuring the operational plan is implemented correctly.
• Secure storage and priority handling with the LUXE service, developed for high-value vehicles, which are stored in specially secured areas. Critical steps in the operational process are documented with photographic records. This solution offers greater security and operational visibility in the transport of vehicles requiring special care .
• Enhanced operational control through digitized processes: Reservations for automotive spare parts shipments can be easily made via the TK GO platform. For the transport of finished vehicles, pre-booking processes are accelerated through customized volume calculations.

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El cargo Turkish Cargo launches logistics solution for the automotive industry apareció primero en T21.

Volaris is participating in the humanitarian transport operation , organized by the government of El Salvador, to assist the Venezuelan population affected by the earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that occurred on June 24.

The airline activated its “Volaris Aid Plane” program with two charter flights at the request of President Nayib Bukele. The flights connect El Salvador’s San Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez International Airport with El Libertador Air Base in Maracay, Venezuela.

The operation involves the transfer of approximately 141 people and 1.5 tons of cargo, consisting of medical supplies, rescue equipment, food and other essential goods for the affected communities.

One of the flights was operated with an Airbus A320ceo aircraft that departed from El Salvador at 2:30 p.m. on June 25. Additionally, Volaris is preparing a second flight for this Friday.

“In times of crisis, the most important thing is to act quickly. When the government of El Salvador called us, the response was immediate. That’s what Volaris does: connect people when they need it most,” said Ronny Rodríguez Chan, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Development for Volaris in Central America.

He explained that through its social responsibility and sustainability program “Volaris Aid Plane”, the airline puts its route network at the service of communities facing emergency situations , transporting humanitarian aid, medical supplies, organs and tissues for transplant, as well as specialized response personnel free of charge.

The program helps ensure that aid reaches vulnerable populations in North, Central and South America in a timely manner, strengthening the response capacity of its strategic partners through air connectivity.

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El cargo Volaris operates humanitarian aid flights after earthquakes in Venezuela apareció primero en T21.

During April 2026, international air cargo traffic reached 345,900 tons to, from and within Latin America and the Caribbean, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.7 percent .

According to the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) , Colombia, Brazil and Mexico were the three largest markets in the region, as they showed year-on-year growth for the second consecutive month.

Colombia moved 82,547 tons, an increase of 3.2% compared to April 2025. Brazil moved 77,678 tons, which meant an increase of 4% annually; while Mexico transported 54,842 tons, 8.4% more than in the same month last year.

“Mexico was the third largest international air cargo market in April and the main contributor to regional growth. The result was driven by the Mexico-United States corridor, which grew 9.1% and accumulated two consecutive months of expansion after the 32.1% drop recorded in February,” the organization emphasized.

ALTA explained that this behavior coincided with a 16.3% increase in air imports from the United States to that country.

Among the main international corridors, Mexico-China registered the highest growth with 28.2%, derived from a 38.8% increase in imports from that Asian country.

Meanwhile, the United States continued to be the main source and destination market for international air cargo in the region, accounting for more than half of the tons transported.

“Traffic between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean grew 2.2% year-on-year in April and marked two consecutive months of growth,” ALTA said.

The market between Spain and Latin America and the Caribbean also maintained a positive trend during April. Air cargo grew 6.2% year-on-year, supported by increased flows between Spain and Mexico, as well as between Brazil and Spain. In the first four months of the year, traffic between the region and Spain accumulated growth of 7%.

ALTA also reported that regional growth was concentrated mainly in Mexico, Panama and Brazil , which showed most of the net increase observed in April.

In the January-April period, the market registered an expansion of 0.3% , driven mainly by growth between the United States and Argentina.

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El cargo Air cargo grows in Latin America and the Caribbean during April apareció primero en T21.

LATAM Airlines Group completed its first 13 passenger charter flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) , a project that is part of its sustainability strategy and its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The flights operated between Santiago, Chile, and Ushuaia, Argentina , and were allocated 22,400 gallons of SAF (Safety and Fuel Oil) under the Book and Claim chain of custody methodology . This initiative marks the airline’s first emissions reduction project associated with passenger charter operations, developed in partnership with a client.

“This operation together with Ponant Explorations demonstrates that today there are already concrete mechanisms for our customers to be part of the reduction of emissions associated with their air operations, while we continue to promote the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels in the region,” said Thibaud Morand, LATAM Airlines’ general manager for Europe, Asia and Oceania.

He explained that the reduction of 160 tons of emissions was calculated following the methodology established by CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) , comparing the emission factors of the Jet-A1 fossil fuel with those of the SAF used.

“This collaboration with LATAM represents another step in our commitment to more sustainable tourism,” commented Wassim Daoud, Director of CSR and Sustainable Development at Ponant Explorations.

LATAM Airlines Group is working on fleet modernization, operational efficiency, promoting the use of SAF and offsetting emissions through strategic projects for the region as a complementary measure.

For an aviation company, fuel represents between 30% and 40% of operating costs, so SAF is an alternative to achieve its sustainability goals.

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El cargo LATAM Airlines operates first passenger flights using SAF apareció primero en T21.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has boosted passenger traffic at Monterrey International Airport, operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) , registering a 5.5% increase in passenger traffic from June 1 to 21, 2026, compared to the same period last year.

According to the concessionaire, 153,075 passengers from or destined for outside the country passed through that air terminal during that cycle .

“Monterrey Airport continues to play a key role in the region’s connectivity, facilitating the arrival of national and international visitors and contributing to the positioning of Nuevo León as a globally relevant destination, confirming the opportunity of the investment of more than eight billion pesos (mdp) that we continue to implement to expand, modernize and transform the Monterrey air terminal into the air hub of northern Mexico,” stated Ricardo Dueñas, CEO of OMA.

He recalled that during that period the game between Japan and Tunisia was held, where the airport served 59,898 international passengers, 12.9% higher than the same period of the previous year, growth driven by the arrival of visitors, fans, work teams, media and business travelers linked to the economic and tourist activity generated by this global event.

“The extensive network of international routes operating from Monterrey, along with the recent addition of new destinations and frequencies, has allowed us to efficiently meet the demand of travelers arriving in the city during this period of high activity,” Dueñas emphasized.

OMA estimated that with two more World Cup games to be played in the coming weeks, including South Africa vs. Korea on June 24 and the round of 32 match between the first place in Group F and the second place in Group C on June 29, the expectation is that the influx of international travelers will continue to grow .

Currently, the airport maintains operations to more than 66 destinations, 26 of which are international, and continues to implement an investment and modernization program in infrastructure, technology, and passenger experience to meet the sustained growth of air demand and strengthen its operational capacity for the coming years.

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El cargo World Cup triggers surge in passengers at Monterrey airport apareció primero en T21.