AICM Airport Renovation Hits 90% with 3,000 Workers in 20-Hour Shifts; Phase 1 Due May 30

An AP wire investigation published May 21 revealed that Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) — the country's busiest — is racing to complete Phase 1 of a USD $500 million modernization ahead of the June 11 World Cup opening match, with more than 3,000 workers operating on 20-hour daily shifts. Airport director Juan José Padilla acknowledged challenges 'more than expected' from half-century-old infrastructure and missing original blueprints for some sections. Phase 1 encompasses nearly 100,000 square meters of flooring and lighting replacement, new terminal facades, renovated restrooms, refreshed baggage carousels, and reclamation of 30,000 square meters of passenger waiting space. The security camera network has expanded from 2,200 to over 4,000 units, with AI-based monitoring capabilities added. An anti-drone system is planned before the tournament. Despite constant mid-renovation chaos — with passengers navigating construction barriers, scattered pipes, and unfinished flooring — airport authorities state Phase 1 is over 90% complete with a May 30 delivery target. Phase 2 will run August–December 2026 after the World Cup, covering remaining renovation scope. The airport, administered by the Mexican Navy since 2023, handles approximately 120,000 daily passengers and is entirely self-funded from airport revenues, requiring no government appropriations.