2003 Mexico City airport expansion

In 2003 Mexico City International Airport embarked on an expansion plan in order to increase capacity.
Background
Because of the increasing traffic at Mexico City International Airport, president Vicente Fox announced the construction of a new, larger airport on in the municipalities of Texcoco and San Salvador Atenco, but when local violent protests aroused, the new airport was cancelled. Instead, to respond to the growing demand and aiming to position the AICM as one of the greatest in terms of quality, services, security, and operational functionality, on May 30, 2003, the Federal Government announced an update: an extension to the air terminal in order to widen its service capacity from 20 million to 32 million passengers a year. This program was part of the Metropolitan Airport System, promoted by the Federal Administration. The Communications and Transportation Ministry (SCT), Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) and AICM performed expansion and remodeling work on Terminal 1, over a surface area of ; 48,000 of which were new construction and 42,000 of which were remodeled. The renovations include new airline counters, commercial spaces and an elevator for people with disabilities, which improved the flow of passengers with domestic destinations.
Details of expansion
The national (primary) walkway was remodeled and expanded from , an 122% increase. Commercial spaces were relocated to provide users with wide-open, modern spaces. During this period, a new Mezzanine was also built. This area is home to the financial and various services areas.
With the demolition of the Tower Building, Terminal 1's road was also expanded and improved. Passengers access gates were also reorganized. Four access bridges were relocated and remodeled: two leading to the national parking lot, one to the pilot parking lot and another towards the Camino Real Hotel.
The domestic and international parking lots were equipped with a modern, automated pre-paid system, which simplifies user arrival and departure. Both have a current capacity of 3,000 vehicles and offer all types of access to people with disabilities.
A new drainage system was built with the road, which prevents flooding during rainy seasons.
A vehicle bridge was built for exclusive access to new passengers check-in areas entrances F1, F2 and F3, where domestic and international airlines arrive and depart. New international check-in areas were built on terminal's upper level, on a surface area of . To facilitate traveler entry into final waiting areas located in Module XI (gates 29 to 36), a new checkpoint was opened. It was call "Julieta" (J), and was located near the new check-in areas F1, F2 and F3.
A new Immigration area (M2) was built in the lower level. This space have 24 Immigration modules, with light-up indicators to facilitate arriving travelers' entry into airport facilities. This area has wide-open spaces for travelers coming from North America, Asia and Europe. Kiosks for the Viajero Confiable program (the Mexican equivalent to Global Entry) are also located in the immigration halls in both terminals 1 and 2.
The international baggage claim area was expanded by 100%, with the installation of 6 new carousels that help passengers get their baggage in less time and prevent crowding.
The Customs area grew from to and the number of inspection modules grew from 10 to 18. New revision modules are located in the new international departures area. which connects directly with the new taxi boarding area.

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu