This article summarizes reporting by Mexico News Daily and MND Staff.

Aeroméxico CEO Proposes Massive Terminal 3 Project for Mexico City International Airport

In a bold move to address chronic congestion at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Aeroméxico has publicly proposed the construction of a new Terminal 3 (T3). According to reporting by Mexico News Daily, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrés Conesa, outlined a plan that would see the new terminal eventually replace the existing Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 facilities entirely.

The proposal, which Conesa detailed during an interview on the “RodCast” podcast, envisions a structural overhaul of the capital’s primary air hub. Rather than serving as a mere annex, the proposed T3 would consolidate operations into a single, modern facility capable of handling significantly higher passenger volumes. This development comes as the airport continues to operate under saturation decrees that have limited flight frequencies since 2022.

The Terminal 3 Proposal Details

According to the details shared in the interview and summarized by Mexico News Daily, the new terminal would be constructed on the eastern side of the airport, where Terminal 2 currently stands. Conesa explained that this location is strategically necessary because the western side (Terminal 1) houses critical fuel farms and pipeline infrastructure that are prohibitively difficult to relocate.

Capacity and Logistics

The project aims to increase AICM’s capacity from its current saturation point of approximately 50 million passengers per year to between 70 and 75 million annually. To achieve this, the plan requires a complex logistical reorganization:

• Relocation of Facilities: Existing maintenance workshops and hangars, including Aeroméxico’s own facilities, would need to be moved to the western side of the airport to clear space for the new terminal.
• Consolidation: The new T3 would be larger than T1 and T2 combined, effectively unifying the airport’s passenger operations under one roof.

Conesa emphasized that this expansion is intended to work in tandem with the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Toluca International Airport. Together, this metropolitan system could handle over 100 million passengers annually, positioning Mexico City as a competitive global hub.

Strategic Context and Government Response

This proposal arrives at a critical time for Mexican aviation. The previous administration prioritized the development of AIFA to solve saturation issues, shelving earlier discussions regarding a third terminal at AICM. However, Aeroméxico argues that AICM remains the preferred hub for connectivity and requires immediate modernization to maintain efficiency.

Current Renovations vs. Structural Change

While Aeroméxico pushes for a structural overhaul, the federal government has initiated a different set of improvements. As noted in reports surrounding the proposal, the government recently announced an investment of approximately 8 billion pesos for renovations at AICM. These works are primarily focused on aesthetic and functional upgrades, such as bathroom improvements and painting, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rather than the capacity expansion Aeroméxico suggests.

“Building T3 on the T1 side is not viable due to the presence of critical fuel farms…”

, Andrés Conesa (via RodCast/Mexico News Daily)

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The Reality of a Dual-Hub System

Aeroméxico’s proposal signals a shift in the industry’s narrative regarding Mexico City’s airspace. For years, the political debate framed AIFA as the replacement for AICM’s saturation woes. However, Conesa’s comments suggest that the industry views a dual-hub system as the only viable long-term reality. By proposing a massive investment in AICM, the airline is effectively stating that AIFA alone cannot absorb the projected growth of the metropolitan area.

Political and Financial Hurdles

The feasibility of this project relies heavily on political will. With the Sheinbaum administration currently focused on “aesthetic” renovations for the World Cup, a multi-billion dollar capital project that disrupts current operations (moving hangars and demolishing terminals) faces a steep uphill battle. Furthermore, the funding model, whether public, private, or a partnership, remains undefined. Without explicit government backing, T3 remains a conceptual vision rather than an active project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of the Terminal 3 proposal?
The goal is to replace the aging Terminals 1 and 2 with a single, larger Terminal 3 to increase capacity to 75 million passengers annually and streamline operations.

Where would the new terminal be built?
It is proposed for the eastern side of the airport, currently occupied by Terminal 2.

Does the government support this plan?
As of January 2026, the government has not officially adopted this specific proposal. Current government efforts are focused on an 8 billion peso renovation of existing facilities for the 2026 World Cup.

Will this replace the Felipe Ángeles Airport (AIFA)?
No. The proposal envisions AICM and AIFA working together as a metropolitan system with a combined capacity of over 100 million passengers.

Sources: Mexico News Daily