Some of the world’s largest airlines have reacted to the statements made by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The companies indicated that, at least for the time being, they do not intend to use the recently inaugurated Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), located north of Mexico City.
Lufthansa says no
First, German airline Lufthansa indicated that, at least for the time being, it has no intention of using AIFA. «We have no plans for now. We have to investigate it further and in detail,» Alejandro Arias, general manager for Mexico and Central America at Lufthansa told Forbes.
The executive added that the company uses connectivity with other regions of the world as the basis for its operations. Arias pointed out that «we need the connectivity that Benito Juarez airport gives us, so we will continue to use it for the foreseeable future. Mexico City International Airport differs from AIFA in that it has flights to some 65 international destinations.
Qatar Airways joins the German carrier
Qatar Airways agreed with Arias’ statements and said it has no plans to operate flights from AIFA, contradicting the government’s claims that the airline wanted to use the terminal as a hub.
Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard had mentioned during the week that «Qatar Airways told us through its CEO that it wants to fly to AIFA.» According to the official, Mexico planned to start negotiations this week with the Qatari national airline for the use of the airport.
A spokesman for the Gulf carrier came out yesterday (Wednesday, 7) to cross these sayings. «We can confirm that Qatar Airways has no plans to start operations at Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport,» the airline spokesman told Reuters.
An unfinished airport with only local airlines
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) inaugurated the airport on March 21. The terminal, located about 50 kilometers north of Mexico City, began operating with only a handful of flights. In addition, the rail connection to the city will not be ready until next year. According to government critics, the airport is difficult to access and was inaugurated before it was fully ready.
Local airlines such as Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus have confirmed that they will operate at the airport. The only international airline operating from AIFA is Venezuela’s Conviasa. According to the airport CEO, flights to the United States should begin in the second half of 2022.
