Mexican Military Takes Control of Airports in Anti-Corruption Effort

In an effort to combat corruption and mismanagement, Mexico’s armed forces are assuming control of the main airport in the capital, with plans to extend military oversight to nearly a dozen other airports across the country.

Since assuming office in 2018, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has assigned various nontraditional tasks to the armed forces, raising concerns about the separation between the military and civilian life.

A new airport, constructed by the army outside Mexico City at a cost of $4.1 billion, has been operational for a year but remains underutilized. The president intends to transfer control of the country’s busiest airport, the old airport, to the navy.

In a bid to address the long-standing issues at Mexico City Airport, which include major drug shipments, illegal migration, infrastructure disrepair, and instances of corruption, the navy assumed security responsibilities at the airport over a year ago. A forthcoming presidential order will make this transfer official, granting the navy control over customs, immigration, luggage handling, and cleanliness.

While López Obrador has repeatedly sought assistance from the armed forces throughout his tenure, assigning them immigration duties, control of ports and customs, and even infrastructure projects like a tourist train and a new airport, the current move to involve the military in civilian airports challenges international aviation recommendations that advocate for a clear distinction between military and civilian authorities.

The navy plans to establish a company called Casiopea to manage Mexico City Airport and six other airports suffering from deficiencies and control by organized crime, including Matamoros and Playa del Carmen.

López Obrador aims to transfer a total of 12 airports to the army or navy by the end of his term in 2024. Additionally, the military is set to commence operation of its own commercial airline later this year.

Experts acknowledge that while navy operational control may address certain security issues, it is unlikely to resolve other problems. In 2021, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration downgraded Mexico’s aviation safety rating, leading to restrictions on Mexican airlines’ expansion of flights to the U.S.

The move to involve the military in airport operations comes in response to rampant corruption that has allowed drug shipments to pass through airports unhindered. Mexican aviation needs substantial improvements, including increased funding, training, and inspection protocols, to enhance its global competitiveness. However, it remains uncertain if the military’s involvement will fully resolve these challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about airport control

More about airport control

• Mexico’s President Expands Military’s Role in Nontraditional Tasks – NBC News article discussing President López Obrador’s assignment of nontraditional tasks to the armed forces.
• Mexico’s President Vows to Fight Corruption – Al Jazeera article highlighting President López Obrador’s commitment to combating corruption in Mexico.
• Mexico City Airport Faces Challenges – AP News article discussing the challenges faced by Mexico City Airport, including drug trafficking, corruption, and infrastructure issues.
• Mexico’s Aviation Safety Rating Downgraded by FAA – New York Times article covering the downgrade of Mexico’s aviation safety rating by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
• Mexican Military’s Involvement in Civilian Aviation – AP News article discussing the involvement of the Mexican military in civilian aviation and its implications.