AICM recommends arriving early as Mexico City International Airport renovates Terminals 1 and 2 through 2026, with phased closures and route adjustments to improve safety and passenger comfort.
Mexico City International Airport (AICM) launched a major renovation on May 17, 2025, targeting Terminals 1 and 2 in a bid to modernize facilities and streamline passenger flow. The airport authority recommends arriving early to offset any delays caused by construction barriers, altered walkways and temporary closures. The work will roll out in carefully planned phases through December 2026, ensuring the busiest air hub in Latin America continues operations even as crews update key areas. Travelers should factor in extra transit time, especially during peak hours and weekends.
The upgrade breaks into two main stages to minimize disruption. Phase One, now underway, will run until May 2026 and focuses on Terminal 1’s Module XI—gates 29 to 36—and adjacent corridors. Phase Two begins in August 2026 and wraps up by December 2026, concentrating on Terminal 2’s access corridor to the Last Waiting Lounges. By splitting the project, AICM keeps most boarding gates and checkpoints functional while advancing targeted improvements on schedule.
In Terminal 1, officials have fenced off Module XI, closing the corridor that links the Duty Free area to gates 29–36. Passengers bound for those gates will use alternative routes marked with clear signage and guided by airport staff. Though the detour adds five to ten minutes of walking, the reconfiguration eliminates pinch points and widens concourses once work completes. The widened corridors will allow better passenger circulation and easier movement of luggage carts, strollers and wheelchairs.
Terminal 2’s overhaul centers on the main corridor leading to the Last Waiting Lounges. Crews are repairing walls and ceilings, replacing worn flooring and waterproofing roofs to prevent leaks during the rainy season. Polishing the concourse floors will give the terminal a brighter, more welcoming look, while restoring the façade will reinforce structural integrity and modernize the exterior. Travelers should watch for temporary closures of short segments but can expect work zones to be fully barricaded for safety.
Safety remains a top priority. All construction sites are enclosed behind solid barriers, reducing noise and dust exposure in operational areas. AICM has repositioned wayfinding signs and staffed additional information desks near security checkpoints to answer passenger questions. Shuttle carts remain available for travelers with reduced mobility, and digital displays will update gate changes in real time. Passengers are encouraged to monitor the AICM website and mobile app for live alerts on gate assignments and walkway detours.
Airport officials stress that these enhancements will deliver long-term benefits. Once finished, Terminals 1 and 2 will feature wider corridors, modern rest areas, improved lighting and expanded retail zones. The upgrades aim to boost capacity, reduce overcrowding and offer more comfortable waiting spaces. “We’re working to provide a safer, more efficient experience for millions of passengers each year,” said an AICM spokesperson. “These renovations reflect our commitment to Mexico City’s growth as a global aviation hub.”
Travelers can take simple steps to avoid stress: book flights with extra buffer time, arrive at least two hours before domestic departures and three hours before international flights, and check online for the latest terminal maps. Airlines may adjust boarding times to allow for pedestrian reroutes, so signing up for airline alerts via email or SMS is advisable. If you plan to shop or dine, allocate additional minutes to navigate around the construction zones.
Looking ahead, AICM’s renovation paves the way for further enhancements, including upgraded baggage handling systems and expanded lounges. As Mexico’s busiest airport, AICM serves over 50 million passengers annually, connecting the capital to more than 200 destinations worldwide. By investing in infrastructure now, the airport is preparing to meet growing demand and reinforce its role as the country’s premier travel gateway. Passengers who heed the advice to arrive early will smooth their airport journey, ensuring they reach their gates on time and enjoy the improved facilities once work wraps up at the end of 2026.
