Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has invested nearly twice as much as Estadio Banorte, renamed Mexico City Stadium by FIFA, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the primary entry point for international fans arriving in Mexico, the airport aims to be fully ready before the tournament begins next summer.
“The entire renovation project is worth around 10 billion pesos (approximately $500 million USD). These are not just cosmetic improvements; they also include technological upgrades, immigration screening systems, camera networks, drainage infrastructure, pumping stations, and broader infrastructure modernization,” said Juan Manuel Muñoz, Corporate Director of Airside Construction and Auxiliary Buildings at AICM, in an interview with ESPN.
While Estadio Banorte has invested approximately 5 billion pesos (around $300 million USD) in its renovation, according to Grupo Ollamani reports, AICM has invested 10 billion pesos in upgrades ahead of the World Cup. The deadline for completion is May 31, 2026, when work on both airport terminals is expected to conclude.
In recent months, the airport has faced criticism on social media due to construction-related inconveniences, including reports of leaks, excavation zones, and reduced seating availability. Airport officials say these issues have been gradually resolved as the completion date approaches.
Addressing concerns about flooding, Muñoz explained that major drainage improvements have been completed.
“We replaced the existing drainage pipes with much larger ones. The airport’s drainage system connects to the city’s network, and during heavy rains, runoff from higher areas would flow toward the airport, causing flooding. Extensive infrastructure work was carried out, and the drainage system was upgraded with new pipes and access points. We expect these improvements to perform effectively. It has already rained, and there have been no flooding issues,” he said.
According to airport officials, AICM serves approximately 200,000 passengers daily. Part of the investment has gone toward new technology intended to reduce immigration wait times from as much as one hour to around ten minutes. Security checkpoints have also been upgraded with equipment capable of screening luggage without requiring passengers to remove electronic devices.
Additionally, more than 3,000 cameras equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities have been installed to improve security throughout the airport. A new advanced telecommunications network has also been implemented to enhance connectivity.
Preventing Flooding During the 2026 World Cup
One of the most challenging aspects of the renovation involved modernizing the airport’s drainage and water management systems. Near the runways, pumping stations were upgraded to rapidly remove excess water and reduce the risk of flooding.
This work is particularly important because the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place during June and July, which coincide with Mexico City’s rainy season.
“It has already rained, and so far the airport has not flooded,” Muñoz stated.
Ride-Sharing Services at AICM
Another issue addressed during the renovation was access for ride-sharing services such as Uber and DiDi.
New designated pickup areas have been established. At Terminal 1, the pickup zone is located near the Metro exit, while at Terminal 2, it is located along the adjacent avenue. These areas are intended to improve passenger convenience and reduce conflicts with traditional taxi services.
“The goal is to make transportation as convenient as possible for passengers. The pickup area at Terminal 1 is about 150 meters from the terminal exit. Our commitment is to finish everything before June; all work must be completed and operational,” Muñoz explained.
With the completion deadline approaching, most major construction work has already been finalized, and crews are now focused on finishing details to ensure the airport is fully prepared for the arrival of visitors during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: espn
