Flights being canceled for a second time in a week due to rain by AICM (Airports Council International - Middle East)
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is grappling with ongoing flight disruptions due to heavy rainfall, as the city braces for more inclement weather in the coming days.
On Monday, a total of 91 flights were cancelled and 149 were delayed after the airport was shuttered for four hours due to poor visibility. The heavy rainfall on Sunday caused significant disruptions, affecting nearly 15,000 passengers, according to El Financiero.
On Tuesday, 29 flights were cancelled and 17 were delayed, as reported by FlightAware. Aeromexico, the country's flagship carrier, was particularly affected, with 76 cancellations and 79 delays on Sunday. The Naval Ministry reported that 16 flights have been diverted, three were cancelled, and 120 were delayed, affecting a total of 19,500 passengers.
Thousands of passengers are still waiting for their flights to be rescheduled, having spent more than 20 hours in long lines as airlines scramble to reschedule flights.
The ongoing heavy rainfall and potential future rainfall could lead to additional cancellations and delays for flights in Mexico City. The National Water Commission (Conagua) has warned of heavy rains in the Valley of Mexico for the rest of the week, and the National Meteorological Service (SMN) forecast suggests Mexico City could see a cumulative 50 mm (2 inches) of rain on Monday and Tuesday, but heavier rains are expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
In response to the ongoing disruptions, Aeromexico issued a statement on social media at 9:30 a.m., urging authorities to improve the airport's infrastructure and implement preventive measures. The airline is making efforts to re-accommodate passengers on other flights, but ongoing inclement conditions may lead to additional delays and cancellations.
To manage heavy rain events, AICM is activating Plan Tlaloque, an emergency protocol that involves the deployment of vacuum trucks, pumps, and crews to clear floodwaters from runways and terminals. City engineering teams also continuously monitor drainage systems around the airport to mitigate flooding impacts. Despite these efforts, heavy rains can still cause runway closures, flight cancellations, and diversions, as seen during the severe flooding episodes in August 2025.
Aeromexico and other airlines have highlighted the limitations of the current infrastructure, urging improvements such as enhanced drainage systems and flood control measures to better handle extraordinary rainfalls. Additional preventive suggestions focus on upgrading airport drainage and flood control, implementing climate-resilient infrastructure improvements, enhancing passenger support during disruptions, and coordinated planning between airport authorities, city officials, and airlines.
These recommendations reflect a broader consensus that Mexico City and AICM must invest in more robust long-term solutions to prevent operational paralysis caused by intense rainfalls, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The Orange Alert issued by Mexico City authorities is a warning for potential flooding and dangerous road conditions.
In conclusion, Mexico City International Airport is facing ongoing flight disruptions due to heavy rainfall, affecting thousands of passengers and causing significant delays and cancellations. The airport is managing the situation through the activation of emergency protocols, but the ongoing disruptions highlight the need for long-term investments in infrastructure and flood control measures to better handle extreme weather events.
news: The ongoing heavy rainfall and potential future rainfall could lead to additional cancellations and delays for flights in Mexico City, according to reports.
weather-forecasting: The National Meteorological Service (SMN) forecast suggests Mexico City could see a cumulative 50 mm (2 inches) of rain on Monday and Tuesday, but heavier rains are expected on Wednesday and Thursday.
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