With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Mexico is completing renovations at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City to modernize infrastructure and increase capacity. Logistical challenges and budget constraints have caused delays.
The BBC's Will Grant provided a tour of the renovations inside and outside the airport.
"The clock is ticking for Mexico City's main airport to be ready for the influx of global fans."
Inside the terminal, construction crews are working around the clock to overhaul check-in areas, expand security checkpoints, and install new baggage handling systems. The goal is to streamline passenger flow and reduce long wait times that have historically plagued the airport.
Outside, the scene is equally ambitious. New elevated roadways are being built to separate arriving and departing traffic, while additional lanes are being added to the access highways. The hope is to eliminate the notorious gridlock that often stretches for miles.
However, the project has not been without setbacks. Officials acknowledge that supply chain issues have slowed the delivery of critical materials, and budget overruns have required reallocating funds from other city projects.
Despite these hurdles, airport authorities insist the core upgrades will be operational before the first World Cup flights land.
Key upgrades include:
- Expanded immigration halls to handle the surge in international arrivals.
- A new, larger customs area designed to process the thousands of new travelers expected per hour.
- Modernized taxi and rideshare pickup zones to improve ground transportation.
The final phase of work is focused on the aesthetic touches—new signage, lighting, and seating areas—which are expected to be completed in the weeks leading up to the tournament. For now, passengers will navigate around scaffolding and temporary walls, but officials promise the finished product will be a world-class gateway.