Mexico Limits General Aviation and Charter Airport Access in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Mexico restricts GA and charter flights to 77 public-use airports starting mid-2025 under AFAC directive.
• Permit lead times doubled to 10 business days; insurance must exactly match aircraft registration details.
• Private-use airports closed to outside operators, affecting humanitarian, resort, and medical flights significantly.

Mexico 🇲🇽 has introduced sweeping changes to how general aviation (GA) and charter flights can access its airports, with new rules from the Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC) taking effect in mid-2025. These changes, which limit airport access and tighten permit and insurance requirements, have immediate and far-reaching consequences for pilots, operators, airport owners, and even humanitarian groups. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changed, why it matters, and what steps affected parties should take now.

Who is affected?
Anyone operating general aviation or charter flights—whether based in the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, or Mexico 🇲🇽—is impacted. This includes business jet operators, private pilots, air taxi services, resort and hotel airstrips, and organizations providing medical or humanitarian flights to remote communities.

What happened, when, and where?
In May 2025, Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC) issued a directive (Oficio 4.1.443) that restricts GA and most charter flights to just 77 major public-use airports listed in the country’s Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This means that out of 1,596 airports for fixed-wing aircraft in Mexico 🇲🇽, only a small fraction remain open to outside operators. In June 2025, AFAC further tightened the rules, extending permit lead times and imposing stricter insurance documentation requirements.

Why did this happen?
AFAC says the changes are meant to improve security and ensure regulatory compliance. However, the sudden rollout and strict enforcement have caught many operators and airport owners by surprise, leading to confusion, operational disruptions, and legal challenges.

Major Changes to Airport Access

Only 77 Airports Open to General Aviation and Charter

Scope of the new rule:
– Of 1,596 airports in Mexico 🇲🇽:
– 77 are listed in the AIP (public-use, including major destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Toluca).
– 1,519 are in the AFAC database, with 1,504 classified as “Service for Private Use” and 15 as “Service for Private Use and 3rd Parties.”

What’s changed:
– Private-use airports may only be used by the airport owner and their own aircraft.
– Regional commanders (“Comandantes”) must deny flight plans to these airports for any other aircraft. If they don’t, they face disciplinary action.

Immediate impact:
– General aviation and charter flights (domestic and foreign-registered) are now blocked from most private-use airports.
– Resort, hotel, and rural airstrips—such as Hacienda de los Santos, Holbox, and Punta Pescadero—are no longer accessible to outside operators.
– Humanitarian and medical flights to remote communities are severely restricted.

Legal status:
Airport owners and operators are challenging the directive, arguing it may conflict with Mexico’s Law and Regulation of Airports. Legal proceedings are underway, but the restrictions remain in force for now.

Stricter Permit Timelines and Insurance Rules

Longer Lead Times for Permits

• Charter, demo, and aerial photography flights:
  • Permit requests must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance (up from 5 days).
• Blanket permits:
  • Processing time has increased to up to 90 business days (previously 30–60 days).

Exact Insurance Match Required

• Mexican insurance must exactly match the aircraft’s registration certificate.
  • This means the make, model, serial number, and tail number must be identical.
  • The operator name on the policy must also match the registration certificate—no exceptions.
  • Worldwide policies must reflect these details as well.

Practical implications:
Any mismatch or delay in documentation can result in permit denials or operational delays. Operators are strongly advised to double-check all submissions and avoid last-minute filings, especially around weekends or holidays.

Entry and Operational Procedures

Single Entry Authorizations (AIU)

• All U.S. operators must obtain an AIU.
  • This is typically valid for multiple entries over 180 days, but local interpretation may vary.
• Required documentation includes:
  • Layout of passenger accommodations (LOPA)
  • Registration certificate
  • Airworthiness certificate
  • Insurance policy
  • For some airports, additional items like noise certificates and radio licenses
• Permit issuance:
  • Permits are only finalized upon aircraft arrival in Mexico 🇲🇽, with advance notification required to local authorities.

eAPIS Changes

• Mexico’s eAPIS process now requires submission via a specific Excel spreadsheet.
  • This is to avoid fines or penalties.
  • Procedures vary by airport and are subject to change.

Airport-Specific Requirements

• Some airports, such as San Luis Potosi and Tulum, have introduced new documentation or operational requirements, including noise certificates, radio licenses, or expanded IFR/VFR access.

Stakeholders and Their Positions

Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC)

AFAC is the main regulatory body behind these changes. The agency says the new rules are needed for security and regulatory reasons.

Airport Owners and Operators

Many airport owners and operators were not informed about the new restrictions until they were already in place. They are now exploring legal challenges, arguing that the directive may not align with existing Mexican law.

Industry Experts

Groups like Universal Aviation, NBAA, and CST Flight Services are advising operators to:
– Limit flights to AIP-listed airports
– Ensure all documentation is perfect
– Prepare for further changes or legal developments

Affected Parties

• U.S. and Canadian GA pilots
• Mexican air taxi and charter operators
• Resort and hotel destinations
• Humanitarian organizations
• Rural communities

Step-by-Step: What Operators Must Do Now

1. Flight Planning
   • Restrict operations to the 77 AIP-listed public-use airports.
   • Confirm airport-specific requirements before each trip.
2. Permit Application
   • Submit charter, demo, or aerial photography permit requests at least 10 business days in advance.
   • For blanket permits, allow up to 90 business days for processing.
3. Insurance Documentation
   • Ensure Mexican insurance matches the registration certificate exactly.
   • Update worldwide policies to reflect identical aircraft details.
4. Entry Authorization
   • Apply for AIU with all required documents (LOPA, registration, airworthiness, insurance, etc.).
   • For some airports, provide additional certifications (noise, radio license).
5. eAPIS Submission
   • Use the recommended Excel spreadsheet and submit to the appropriate authorities to avoid fines.
6. Monitor for Updates
   • Stay in contact with ground handlers, legal counsel, and industry associations for the latest changes and interpretations.

For official guidance and the latest updates, operators should visit the AFAC official website for authoritative information.

Legal and Operational Uncertainty

Legal Challenges

The AFAC directive is being challenged in court by airport owners and industry groups. They argue that the new rules may not align with Mexico’s existing aviation laws. However, until the courts make a decision, the restrictions remain in place.

Operational Impact

The changes have disrupted business, tourism, and humanitarian flights. Many rural and resort destinations that relied on private airstrips are now cut off from outside operators. Humanitarian groups are especially concerned about the impact on medical flights to remote communities.

Industry Guidance

Universal Aviation, NBAA, and legal experts recommend:
– Conservative planning
– Strict compliance with all documentation
– Ongoing monitoring of regulatory developments

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes represent the most significant shift in Mexican GA and charter access in recent years, with ongoing legal and operational uncertainty as of July 3, 2025.

What’s Next? Future Outlook

Legal Challenges and Policy Adjustments

Airport owners and industry groups are preparing to contest the AFAC directive in court. There is no clear timeline for when these legal challenges will be resolved. If the courts rule against AFAC, or if enough pressure builds from affected stakeholders, the Civil Aviation Authority may revisit or clarify the restrictions.

Continued Regulatory Changes

Operators should expect further changes, especially regarding permit processing, documentation, and airport-specific requirements. It’s important to stay in close contact with ground handlers, legal counsel, and industry associations for the latest updates.

Summary Table: Key 2025 Changes

Immediate Recommendations for Operators

• Limit flights to AIP-listed airports.
• Submit all permits and documentation well in advance.
• Ensure insurance and registration details are an exact match.
• Monitor for ongoing legal and regulatory updates.
• Consult with legal and operational experts before each trip.

Broader Implications

For Business and Tourism

Many businesses, resorts, and hotels that depended on private airstrips for quick access are now facing longer travel times and possible loss of customers. Tourists who once enjoyed direct flights to remote destinations must now use larger, often busier airports, adding time and complexity to their trips.

For Humanitarian and Medical Flights

The new restrictions have made it much harder for humanitarian groups to reach remote communities. Medical flights, which often rely on small private airstrips, are now severely limited. This could have serious consequences for people living in isolated areas who need urgent care.

For Airport Owners

Owners of private-use airports are facing sudden loss of business and are now involved in legal battles to regain access for outside operators. They argue that the directive may not be legal under current Mexican law and hope that the courts will overturn or modify the restrictions.

Staying Compliant: Practical Tips

• Double-check all documentation: Even a small mismatch in insurance or registration details can lead to permit denials.
• Plan well ahead: With longer lead times for permits, last-minute trips are much harder to arrange.
• Stay informed: Rules and procedures are changing quickly. Regularly check official sources and industry updates.
• Work with experts: Legal and operational advisors can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep up with the latest requirements.

Where to Find Official Information

For the most current and authoritative information, visit the AFAC official website. You can also find updates and support from:

• Universal Aviation Mexico
• NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)
• CST Flight Services

These organizations provide operational support, legal guidance, and up-to-date alerts on changes affecting general aviation and charter access in Mexico 🇲🇽.

Final Thoughts

The new rules from Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority mark a major shift for general aviation and charter operators. With most private-use airports now closed to outside flights, and with stricter permit and insurance requirements, planning a trip to Mexico 🇲🇽 by private or charter aircraft has become much more complex. Operators must adapt quickly, stay vigilant about compliance, and be ready for further changes as legal challenges work their way through the courts.

By following the latest guidance, keeping documentation in perfect order, and staying in close contact with industry experts, operators can reduce the risk of delays, denials, or penalties. The situation remains fluid, so ongoing attention to official updates is essential for anyone flying to or within Mexico 🇲🇽 under the new rules.

Learn Today

Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC) → Mexico’s government agency regulating aviation safety, security, and airport operations nationwide.
Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) → Official Mexico document listing authorized public-use airports and aviation procedures.
General Aviation (GA) → Non-commercial, private, or business aircraft operations excluding scheduled airline flights.
Entry Authorization (AIU) → Permit for aircraft to enter Mexico, valid typically for multiple entries over 180 days.
eAPIS → Electronic Advanced Passenger Information System used for submitting passenger and flight details to Mexican authorities.

This Article in a Nutshell

Mexico’s AFAC introduced strict 2025 rules limiting general aviation to 77 airports, tightening permits and insurance. Private airstrips closed to most operators disrupt tourism and humanitarian flights, creating legal and operational challenges requiring meticulous compliance and planning for affected parties.
— By VisaVerge.com