Militarization of airports in Mexico: challenges and opportunities in airport management.

The recent militarization of small airports in Mexico has sparked a broad debate about its implications and challenges for the country's airport sector. In a growing trend, the Mexican government has begun to integrate the Armed Forces into the management and operation of a number of airports, as well as an airline. While this measure aims to optimize the administration of these spaces, it raises questions about the logistical and business capabilities of military institutions in an area that has traditionally been managed by the civil sector. The airports now under the administration of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) and the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) are mostly smaller complexes with low levels of traffic. This situation presents a significant challenge, as the Armed Forces must develop not only an operational approach but also an effective business plan that allows them to transform these facilities into sustainable revenue generators. This is particularly critical given that many of these airports lack the adequate infrastructure to attract traffic and maximize their potential. Julio Zugasti, an aviation industry specialist, points out that the success of this initiative will largely depend on the Armed Forces' ability to implement effective strategies. “To scale up and gain a stronger position, it will be essential to observe how they develop their strategies and business plan,” Zugasti states. This focus on developing solid plans is vital, as success in airport management involves a deep understanding of the commercial environment and local demand. The importance of diversifying revenue beyond aeronautical operations is an aspect that has gained relevance in recent years. Private airport groups have demonstrated that, in order to be profitable, they must focus on maximizing non-aeronautical revenues, such as those generated by commercial services, parking, and restaurants. In this context, transitioning to a diversified business model becomes an imperative for both private entities and the Armed Forces now managing these spaces. A revealing data point comes from OMA, which reported non-aeronautical revenues that grew by 11.9% in the first quarter of the year, driven by increased service fees and the expansion of its commercial offerings. These results highlight the importance of having infrastructure that not only meets passenger needs but also capitalizes on commercial opportunities. The experiences of other groups like GAP and ASUR reinforce this idea, showing significant increases in their non-aeronautical service revenues. The opening of new commercial spaces and the renegotiation of contracts have proven to be effective strategies for increasing revenue. This model could be replicated by the Armed Forces, who now have the opportunity to apply similar approaches in the airports under their administration. However, the key to success lies not only in revenue generation but also in identifying the vocation of each airport based on its geographical location. Rosario Avilés, a sector analyst, suggests that it is essential for these airports to develop a clear role aligned with the characteristics of the region. For example, an airport near an industrial area could greatly benefit from becoming a customs facility, facilitating trade and logistics. Despite the opportunities, the path toward successful management of these airports will not be easy. Avilés emphasizes the need for public policy to support these initiatives, noting that “what is needed is to give them a clear vocation, and for that, it is imperative to invest.” Without a solid state strategy that fosters the development of these spaces, their growth potential could be diminished. The militarization of small airports in Mexico is a phenomenon that, while seeking to improve the management and operation of these facilities, presents significant challenges that must be addressed with seriousness and strategic vision. As the Armed Forces venture into this new territory, their ability to adapt and develop a robust business model will be crucial to the success of this ambitious initiative. Although expectations are high, time will tell if these transformations translate into tangible benefits for the airport sector and the country's economy.