Source: ACI-LAC

  • The 6.24% increase in regional air traffic during the first half of 2025 has prompted ACI-LAC to revise its forecasts, as the recovery in passenger and cargo volumes exceeds expectations.

The Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC) reports that preliminary data from the region’s main air markets indicate a 6.24% increase in passenger traffic during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Argentina stood out in the first half of the year, recording a 15% growth in air traffic in terms of passengers.

According to Rafael Echevarne, Director General of ACI-LAC, “the data seem to indicate that air transport sector liberalization and deregulation policies in Argentina are delivering tangible results in terms of sustained growth, increased connectivity, and a notable rise in passenger numbers.”

Mexico, one of the largest markets in Latin America, also showed positive growth, with a 3.1% increase in passenger traffic during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. A total of 94.5 million passengers were handled during this period, reflecting the strength and maturity of the Mexican market in the region.

Brazil also showed strong performance. Brazilian airports handled 112 million passengers in the first half of the year, a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. Other noteworthy results came from El Salvador (+8.5%), Peru (+7.1%), and Panama (+7%).

For 2025, ACI projects air traffic growth of 4.1% in Latin America and the Caribbean, reaching 789 million passengers, while global traffic growth is estimated at 3.7%, reaching 9.8 billion passengers.

“Based on the growth observed in the first half of the year, ACI is revising its traffic forecasts for the region,” added Echevarne.

Air Cargo

Preliminary ACI data also indicate that between January and June 2025, air cargo volume in Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 2.2% compared to 2024. Among the region’s main air cargo markets, Panama stood out with over 100,000 tonnes transported, marking a 15% increase. Argentina also showed significant growth (+8.3%)