Mexico City’s main airport is moving through the final stretch of its World Cup renovation push. Bathrooms, waiting areas, parking lots, baggage systems, security filters, and passenger spaces have been updated across the airport. Still, travelers are seeing signs of ongoing work, including temporary walkways, equipment, and unfinished areas. With the tournament opening in Mexico City on June 11, the airport’s last days of work will test how quickly upgrades can shift from construction zone to passenger-ready.

AICM races to finish World Cup renovations by May 26

Mexico City International Airport is nearing the end of a major renovation push before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with public-facing work expected to be completed before the tournament begins in June.

The airport, known as AICM, is one of the main entry points for travelers flying into Mexico. Its role will be even more important this year as Mexico City hosts the opening match of the World Cup on June 11.

The work includes renovated bathrooms, waiting areas, parking lots, security filters, baggage systems, passenger corridors, and commercial spaces. Airport areas used by international and domestic travelers have also been part of the upgrade.

The project is described as about 90 percent complete. Some sections, however, still show signs of active construction. Travelers have seen machinery, temporary routes, and unfinished details in parts of the terminals.

AICM enters its final World Cup stretch

The current deadline being tracked is May 26, when the airport is expected to have key areas ready ahead of the World Cup traffic surge. That timing fits within the broader plan to close the first phase of renovations by the end of May.

The first phase has focused on areas passengers use every day. That includes waiting rooms, bathrooms, baggage claim zones, access areas, and security points.

AICM’s official renovation schedule has been divided into phases. The first phase runs through May 2026, followed by a pause during the World Cup to keep passengers moving through the airport. A second phase is scheduled after the tournament period.

That pause matters because construction inside a busy airport can quickly create bottlenecks. The airport already handles heavy daily traffic, and World Cup visitors will add pressure during one of Mexico’s most visible international events.

What travelers may notice

Travelers using AICM before the tournament may still see temporary walkways, closed-off sections, and crews finishing details. Some areas have already been reopened with new finishes, more space, and updated passenger systems.

The renovations are not only cosmetic. The work also includes new baggage systems, security technology, parking improvements, and changes meant to improve passenger flow.

In Terminal 2, previous work included changes to vehicle circulation, parking, and access routes. In operational areas, the airport also planned new rapid-exit taxiways to help reduce runway occupancy time after aircraft land.

Those changes connect to a broader capacity issue at AICM. Federal aviation authorities recently authorized the airport to increase takeoffs and landings from 44 to 46 per hour, subject to meeting certain conditions.

That increase is limited and conditional. The airport must complete and verify specific operational works before the added capacity can take effect.

World Cup pressure goes beyond the stadium

Mexico City will host the World Cup opener at Mexico City Stadium on June 11. Mexico is scheduled to face South Africa in the first match of the tournament.

The opening ceremony is also planned for that day, with FIFA advising fans to arrive early. Gates are expected to open several hours before kickoff.

That schedule gives airport upgrades a firm public deadline. Visitors arriving for the opener will judge the city not only by the stadium, but also by airport access, baggage handling, security lines, transport options, and clear passenger movement.

For expats and frequent travelers in Mexico, the AICM work may also affect regular connections. Many travelers from coastal cities, including Puerto Vallarta, still pass through Mexico City for domestic and international routes.

Renovations follow years of strain

The renovation comes after years of pressure on Mexico City’s main airport. AICM has long dealt with congestion, aging infrastructure, and flight-operations limits.

Airport officials have described the current work as a modernization effort that goes beyond the World Cup. The tournament has added urgency, but the upgrades are meant to improve airport use after the event as well.

The airport’s challenge is timing. It must finish enough visible and operational work to handle visitors smoothly, while avoiding new disruptions before the tournament begins.

Anyone flying through AICM in the final weeks before the World Cup should allow extra time, watch for route changes inside the terminals, and confirm transportation rules before arrival.