Mexico speeds up repairs to dilapidated airport ahead of South Africa match
The Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City, a key entry point for travelers, is currently undergoing extensive renovations in preparation for the upcoming World Cup. A media source indicates that this century-old facility, marred by leaky roofs and prolonged luggage delays, is being revitalized to accommodate an anticipated influx of over a million soccer fans by June 11.
Managed unusually by Mexico’s Navy since 2023, the airport has faced significant challenges, not least of which is its gradual sinking — a troubling rate of ten centimeters annually. Recently initiated renovations, estimated at 1 million, represent the first substantial overhaul of the airport since its inception in 1928. The project has uncovered a mosaic of past updates, including an array of 70 different flooring types and an assortment of outdated plumbing systems, which have complicated repair efforts.
In recent months, as workers embarked on the renovation, conditions for travelers have deteriorated. Passengers find themselves navigating cluttered hallways strewn with construction materials, and essential facilities such as restrooms have been intermittently out of service. The airport, which registered about 44 million passengers in 2022, is already experiencing operational strain, having been declared saturated and limiting its hourly operations.
The renovations were initially intended to be primarily aesthetic; however, complications arose, revealing deeper structural issues such as collapsed drainage systems that necessitated immediate and unplanned repairs. The airport’s management has been tasked with maintaining continuous operations while simultaneously executing extensive renovations.
This situation is further complicated by the legacy of a previously planned but ultimately scrapped airport expansion, which has left Benito Juárez without critical funding for its upkeep. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador halted this ambitious project in 2018, arguing against the need for a modern facility, which now contributes to the current operational chaos.
The airport faces criticism as concerns grow regarding its management, particularly under military oversight. Critics argue that the Navy lacks the necessary expertise in civil aviation, while some express frustration over the apparent lack of preparedness given the World Cup’s imminent arrival. However, amid the chaos, some travelers remain optimistic about the long-term benefits of renovations, suggesting that the upgrades may ultimately lead to enhanced facilities that will serve the public well beyond the tournament.
With a projected completion of approximately 80% of the renovations by late May, the urgency is apparent. Beyond the immediate demands of the World Cup, efforts are being made to refine airport operations to accommodate the elevated traffic, which is essential for Mexico City’s role as a host city during this significant international event.
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