Although jet fuel prices are expected to stunt global air traffic through the remainder of the year, the world’s leading private airport operator remains open to expansion in Mexico.
In Mexico to canvass some of his company’s operations, Vinci Airports CEO Remi Maumon de Longevialle conceded that geopolitical tensions and fuel prices were producing “new volatility” in markets around the world.
“It’s fair to acknowledge that growth won’t reach the same figures as in previous years,” Maumon de Longevialle told Reuters news agency. “But there is no specific concern about airlines changing or adjusting dramatically capacities.”
Vinci is not seeing major airline capacity cuts despite fears that carriers could alter schedules more sharply, and the company still views Mexico as a long-term growth market.
Since becoming the main shareholder in Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) four years ago, Vinci has invested heavily in Mexico.
Two months ago, Vinci provided US $800 million to modernize and expand infrastructure across OMA’s network of Mexican airports. Roughly half of that was set aside to remodel terminals at Monterrey International Airport (MTY) as that city prepared to host four World Cup matches.
Monterrey International Airport to undergo US $400M renovation
OMA’s modernization strategy ahead of the soccer tournament, which began on June 11, included the deployment of automated customs systems and self-service immigration technologies.
The terminal expansion plan is on pace to open partially by year-end, with further openings through the end of next year.
Monterrey is OMA’s most significant hub, and saw a 10.3% annual increase in international arrivals in June. The operator reported that its 13 airports combined handled a total of 2,403,275 passengers in June, a 2.1% increase compared to June 2025.
Domestic traffic is also on the rise: OMA reported a 0.8% year-on-year increase for June while at the same time 22 new routes began operations. OMA Chief Executive Ricardo Dueñas told Reuters the company is preparing to invest another US $450 million over the next five years.
This week, Maumon de Longevialle said the company was not ruling out further expansion, citing Mexico’s domestic aviation market, Monterrey’s role as a business hub and what he described as a stable concession framework.
“Mexico is a country of immense potential,”Maumon de Longevialle said in a post on LinkedIn. “We are proud to contribute to its economic and tourism development.”
With reports from Reuters and Líder Empresarial
