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Mexico\u2019s aviation sector is expected to record sustained passenger traffic growth linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Grupo Financiero Monex projecting\u00a0<\/span>increases between 4% and 6% during the tournament period<\/span><\/a> and estimating the event could generate between US$1.8 billion and US$3 billion in economic impact nationwide. Airport operators including Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pac\u00edfico and Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte are expected to benefit from higher international and domestic passenger flows tied to the competition, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across North America.<\/span><\/p>\n The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 104 matches, with Mexico hosting 13 games in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. According to Monex, the tournament will be a key driver of aviation and tourism growth in the country through 2026 and into 2027, although the increase is expected to remain below levels seen in previous host countries because the United States is the primary host nation.<\/span><\/p>\n Brian Rodr\u00edguez Ontiveros, senior analyst, Monex, said passenger traffic growth during the World Cup in Mexico will likely remain below levels recorded in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhat we have seen historically is that in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022, growth ranged between 8% and 15%, depending on the timing of the tournament,\u201d Rodr\u00edguez Ontiveros said. \u201cIn Mexico, the effect will be lower because the United States is the main host.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Monex forecasts passenger traffic growth of 3.9% for ASUR, 2.3% for GAP and 7.3% for OMA in 2026, identifying the World Cup as the primary catalyst behind these projections. Analysts also estimate average tourism growth of between 4% and 5% across airport groups during the tournament cycle.<\/span><\/p>\n The report describes the World Cup as a \u201cpositive demand shock\u201d that could generate both immediate and structural benefits for Mexico\u2019s aviation ecosystem. According to Monex, demand growth will come through three channels: direct international arrivals to host cities, connecting traffic from North American markets, and increased domestic mobility between destinations within Mexico.<\/span><\/p>\n Monex analysts said\u00a0<\/span>infrastructure investments completed ahead of the tournament<\/span><\/a> position operators to absorb higher passenger volumes without requiring major additional capital expenditures. The group forecasts a compound annual growth rate of approximately 4.5% for Mexico\u2019s airport sector between 2026 and 2029, broadly in line with the industry\u2019s long-term historical trend. Passenger traffic across Mexico\u2019s airport system could increase by as much as 25% by 2029, according to Monex projections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regarding Mexico City International Airport, Rodr\u00edguez Ontiveros said airlines have increased seat availability after recovering aircraft previously affected by maintenance and supply chain delays. He did not provide a specific passenger growth estimate, noting that operational data for the airport is managed by the Mexican Navy and is not disclosed in the same format used by airport groups.<\/span><\/p>\n