IATA Raises Concerns Over Significant Airport Fee Hikes in Mexico

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed concern regarding the significant increases proposed for Airport Use Fees (TUA) and other services at various airports across Mexico. Specifically, the organization highlighted the case of Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), where fees for domestic flights could rise by up to 59.33% and 39.74% for international flights. According to IATA, these increases are the highest in the region and could negatively impact not only passengers but also airlines operating at these airports, ultimately affecting the country’s overall competitiveness.

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The association calls for transparency in the approval process for these fees, ensuring that all involved parties, including airlines, are informed and can actively participate in the discussion of the Master Development Plans and the Joint Maximum Rate, which determines the TUA. IATA stresses that the opinions and needs of the airlines must be effectively considered to avoid disproportionate increases that could hinder the sector’s growth.

IATA also urges for ongoing dialogue with airlines and other sector stakeholders to discuss the proposed changes and mitigate their impacts. The organization highlights the importance of aligning fees with international best practices and the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to prevent increases that would harm Mexico’s competitiveness in the air travel sector.

Another key concern is the need for a suitable timeframe for implementation of any fee changes, allowing airlines to adjust their internal processes and passengers to plan their trips well in advance. Additionally, IATA emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between the public and private sectors to improve airport infrastructure and the passenger experience, fostering a robust and competitive aviation sector that benefits tourism and economic development in Mexico.

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Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, emphasized the organization’s willingness to work with key stakeholders to align processes with international standards. “We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve processes and align them with international practices, in order to enhance connectivity and promote a competitive and strong aviation sector that contributes to the social and economic growth of Mexico,» he stated.

Air transport is crucial for the country’s development, as between January and August 2024, nearly 70 airlines operating in Mexico managed 700 routes, transporting more than 80.2 million passengers and 521,000 tons of cargo across 562,000 flights. By the end of 2024, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) expects tourism to contribute 14.4% of the national GDP, generating approximately 7.56 million jobs.

«IATA reiterates its willingness and interest to work closely with the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), airport groups, and other stakeholders to review the global standards applicable to the mechanisms for assessing airport fees, ensuring they are carried out transparently and efficiently, while considering alternatives to reduce them for the growth of aviation in Mexico and the benefit of end users: the passengers,» they concluded.