Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Eight months after Mexico regained the highest rating in this area from the United States, the International Civil Aviation Organization expressed its concern about the safety standards of navigation services in Mexico.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has raised serious concerns regarding Mexico's air navigation services, highlighting potential security risks due to deficient radio navigation aid inspection and verification processes. The organization issued an internal statement citing "important operational safety concerns" that Mexico has yet to address adequately.
According to the ICAO, Mexico has been slow in resolving these issues, prompting the organization to issue a warning. Failure to rectify the observed safety lapses within 90 days could result in the publication of a report detailing unresolved issues on the ICAO website. Mexico now joins a list of countries with pending aviation safety concerns, including Armenia, Bhutan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Liberia, Russia, and Zimbabwe.
The ICAO conducted an operational safety audit of Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) between February and March, focusing on radio aids and their surveillance, critical components for ensuring effective navigation systems and providing essential information for aircraft operating within Mexican airspace.
In response to the ICAO's alert, the Mexican government asserted that it had already achieved a 95% compliance rate with the verification of radio aids through a recently implemented verification program. The government emphasized its commitment to air safety and highlighted ongoing efforts by the Navigation Services in the Mexican Airspace (Seneam) to maintain navigation systems within international operating standards.
Rogelio Rodríguez, an expert in UNAM Law, underscored the significance of the ICAO's warning, noting its potential implications for Mexico's aviation safety rating and international cooperation. He expressed concerns that the lack of cooperation between the ICAO and the Mexican government could prompt increased scrutiny from other countries, particularly the United States, a key partner in aviation safety.
This warning comes just months after Mexico resolved an audit by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), reclaiming its highest category of aviation safety and reopening new routes for Mexican airlines in the United States. However, the preliminary resolution by the ICAO raises fresh doubts about Mexico's aviation security standards.
Alfredo Covarrubias, General Secretary of the National Union of Air Traffic Controllers, echoed concerns about Mexico's aviation security, citing issues with inexperienced personnel and inadequate resources for navigation system verification. He emphasized the need for greater expertise and resources within the civil aviation authority to address these challenges effectively.
The warning from the ICAO serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining robust aviation safety standards. Over the next three months, Mexico faces the task of addressing the identified shortcomings to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of its airspace. Failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the country's aviation industry and international reputation.
