Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world, Mexico City is also a popular leisure destination for private jet charter customers.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy historical monuments like the Mesoamerican ruins, or you’re looking to escape from it all in a luxurious resort on the beach, Mexico has a lot to offer.
Mexico’s general aviation trip planning requires a bit more preparation due to seasonal event congestion and the region’s business aviation infrastructure.
Here’s what you need to know:
Airport Options
There are three major private jet airports throughout the metropolitan area, which is home to an estimated 26 million residents.
Mexico City International Airport – MMMX / MEX
Mexico City, Mexico
Local name: Benito Juarez International Airport
Runway: 12,965 feet | FBO: Aeroservicios Especializados (ASESA)
Toluca International Airport – MMTO / TLC
Toluca, Mexico
Local name: Adolfo Lopez Mateos International
Runway: 13,780 feet | FBO: 8 available
Cuernavaca Airport – MMCB / CVJ
Cuernavaca, Mexico
Local name: General Mariano Matamoros Airport
Runway: 9,094 feet | FBO: ICCS Cuernavaca – FBO Cuernavaca
Aircraft operations at MMMX are restricted to commercial airline service, and the FBO on-site is used for government flights and public charters. When flying private to/from Mexico City, you will use Toluca International – MMTO and not MMMX.
Helicopter transfers between the two airports are available, as Toluca is nearly an hour away.
Cuernavaca Airport – MMCB is located 68 miles to the south, but equally an hour away by car as it’s outside of the densely populated metro areas running horizontally through the region.
MMTO is a 24-hour airport of entry with full GA support services, Ground Support Equipment (GSE). The airport has 24/7 Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) clearance.
Aviation fuel and in-flight catering are also available. Ample parking is available but it depends on the FBO used.
Other Airport Options
These airports will place you more than an hour’s drive and over 100 kilometers from the center of Mexico City, but perhaps that’s exactly what you’re looking for. Arrive privately at major airports in Puebla and Queretaro, each featuring a runway well over 11,000 feet to handle any size aircraft flying just outside of Ciudad de México.
Puebla International Airport – MMPB / PBC
Puebla, Mexico
Local name: Hermanos Serdán International Airport
Runway: 11,811 feet
Querétaro International Airport – MMQT / QRO
Querétaro, Mexico
Runway: 11,482 feet
Parking Options
Parking is at a premium and not all FBOs and hangars are the same. During peak periods it is always advised to prepare for ahead of time. Last-minute calls can be difficult to arrange due to space restrictions.
Similarly, overnight hangar parking needs to be arranged at an adequate time especially during high demand season.
Fuel
You have two fuelling options at MMTO through the airport Aeropuertos Servicios Auxiliares (ASA) corporation or from your FBO’s fuel truck.
Accommodation
Pristine beachfront, elegant rooms and chic restaurants are just a few of the things you can expect from Mexico’s top luxury hotels. If you are planning a stay in for your crew there are many good four-star hotel options as well.
A corporate or an agency booking account could significantly reduce your initial hotel booking bill.
Conclusion
Apart from the potential confusion caused by several airport name variants, operating to Mexico City is straightforward as it is a General Aviation friendly destination, you can manage it in-house by reaching out to FBOs directly or seek help from a reputable agent.