Mexico City’s primary airport, Benito Juárez International Airport, is identified by the airport code MEX. This three-letter code, assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is used for ticketing, baggage handling, and flight scheduling. The airport also has a four-letter code, MMMX, assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) is a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel within Mexico. Serving as the main gateway for Mexico City, the nation’s capital, MEX is the busiest airport in Mexico and the second busiest in Latin America by passenger count. It offers direct flights to over 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Europe.
Operated by Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares, a government-owned corporation, MEX is a major hub for several airlines, including Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Aeromar, Interjet, and Volaris. VivaAerobus also utilizes MEX as a focus city for its operations. This makes MEX a central point for connecting flights within Mexico and beyond. While officially named after President Benito Juárez in 2006, the airport was known by other names for decades.
The airport’s capacity is estimated to be around 32 million passengers annually, thanks to recent renovations and expansions. This allows MEX to handle the significant volume of travelers passing through its terminals each year. Toluca Airport serves as an alternative airport for Mexico City, providing additional capacity and options for travelers.
In 2013, MEX saw a substantial 6.9% increase in passenger traffic, serving over 31.5 million passengers. The following year, the airport handled nearly 31.8 million passengers. These figures highlight the airport’s importance to the Mexican economy and its role as a key transportation hub in the region.
