Source: ACI-LAC
- Coordinated efforts to ensure regional airports serve as a catalyst for economic growth across the region.
The Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) held today the first edition of ACI Airport Day Mexico, an unprecedented event that brought together in the nation’s capital leaders from the airport sector, aviation authorities, regional operators, and international experts.
Organized in collaboration with Mexico’s Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) and Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), the event focused on the transformation and strengthening of Mexico’s regional airports, as well as their impact on connectivity, tourism, and the economic development of communities.
During the opening ceremony, Carlos Manuel Merino Campos, Director General of ASA, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen the regional airport network:
“As an active member of the ACI-LAC Board of Directors, ASA proudly celebrates this historic milestone on its 60th anniversary: Today we take a firm step toward green aviation, social connectivity that benefits all Mexicans, and cutting-edge infrastructure.”
“Mexico plays a strategic role in the region’s air ecosystem. While 74% of airports in Latin America and the Caribbean are regional, in Mexico they account for 58%, reflecting enormous potential to enhance their role in national connectivity. These airports are true development hubs for the communities they serve and play a key role as feeders to major national and international hubs,” said Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, during his opening remarks.
A Program That Promotes Regional Dialogue
Throughout the day, key topics for the sector were addressed, including the challenges and opportunities of regional aviation, connectivity and accessibility, the economic impact of tourism, airport operational efficiency, and the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
The panels featured senior executives from institutions such as AFAC, GACM, ASA, GAP, OMA, among others, as well as representatives from the tourism sector, academia, and leading airport technology and service companies.
A Platform for Regional Cooperation
ACI Airport Day Mexico also served as a platform to foster public-private partnerships and promote innovative projects aimed at decarbonizing aviation, advancing digital transformation, and enhancing the operational resilience of airports beyond major urban centers.
The event encouraged the exchange of best practices among countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, reinforcing ACI-LAC’s commitment to the equitable development of regional airport infrastructure.
Voices from the Sector
Notable speakers included:
- General Miguel Enrique Vallin Osina, Executive Director, AFAC
- Arq. Tania Carro Toledo, Undersecretary of Transport, SICT
- Christopher Barks, Regional Director, ICAO NACC
- Carlos Merino, Director General, ASA
- Javier Herrera, CEO, AERUS
- Laura García, General Manager, MOEVE
A Forward-Looking Event
With over 250 participants, including decision-makers from both the public and private sectors, ACI Airport Day Mexico positions the country as a benchmark for strengthening sustainable, resilient, and inclusive regional airport networks.
“This event reaffirms the importance of working in a coordinated manner to ensure regional airports serve as a catalyst for economic growth across the region,” concluded Echevarne.