Top Airlines in Mexico: A Complete Guide to Mexican Carriers

Mexico’s aviation sector continues to reshape itself as carriers adapt to new market realities and passenger demands.

The recent Volaris and Viva Aerobus merger announcement has sent ripples through the industry, potentially creating the nation’s largest low-cost carrier group by mid-2026.

This guide examines the top Mexican airlines registered with the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), from major international carriers to regional specialists serving remote communities.

Table of Contents

• 1. Aeroméxico: The National Flag Carrier

• 2. Volaris: Leading by Passenger Volume

• 3. Viva Aerobus: Ultra-Low-Cost Pioneer

• 4. Mexicana de Aviación: The Military-Run Revival

• 5. TAR Aerolíneas (TAR México): Regional Connectiv …

• 6. Aeroméxico Connect: The Regional Subsidiary

• 7. Magnicharters: Charter and Scheduled Hybrid

• 8. Aerus: The Newest Scheduled Carrier

• 9. Aéreo Servicio Guerrero: Baja California Specia …

• 10. Señor Air: Cabo’s Boutique Operator

• Cargo Carriers: The Freight Specialists

• Charter and On-Demand Operators

• My Final Thoughts

1. Aeroméxico: The National Flag Carrier

Aeroméxico holds the distinction of being Mexico’s oldest and most recognized airline brand. Founded in 1934, this full-service carrier operates as the country’s flag carrier and maintains the most extensive international network among Mexican airlines.

The airline’s operational footprint spans 89 destinations across three continents, including 48 Mexican cities, 17 U.S. locations, and 15 Latin American markets. Aeroméxico’s fleet consists of 148 aircraft, primarily Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 737s, and Embraer 190 regional jets.

As a founding SkyTeam alliance member, Aeroméxico offers passengers access to over 1,088 destinations worldwide through codeshare partnerships. The carrier maintains a strategic relationship with Delta Air Lines, although their joint venture was ordered to dissolve.

Fleet & Network Expansion:

Aeroméxico recently added 29 aircraft in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Mexico will co-host. New transatlantic routes launching in 2026 include Mexico City to Barcelona (starting March 28) and Monterrey to Paris (beginning April 13).

The carrier earned recognition as 2025’s most punctual airline with a 90.02% on-time performance rate, marking its second consecutive year at the top of global punctuality rankings.

2. Volaris: Leading by Passenger Volume

Volaris operates as Mexico’s largest airline by passenger count, transporting nearly 15 million travelers in the first half of 2025 alone. This low-cost carrier has built its business model around offering affordable point-to-point connections throughout Mexico, the United States, Central America, and South America.

The airline serves 73 destinations through more than 210 routes, operating over 450 daily flights from its main hubs in Guadalajara, Cancún, Mexico City, Monterrey, and Tijuana. Volaris’s fleet consists entirely of Airbus A320 family aircraft, with the carrier targeting nearly 100% fuel-efficient Neo variants by 2026.

Operational Metrics:

Daily Flights: 450+
Destinations: 73 airports
Routes: 210+ connections
Fleet Composition: 100% Airbus A320 family
Fleet Modernization: Transitioning to Neo aircraft
Founded: 2004

Volaris plans to receive 12-13 new Airbus aircraft in 2026 while returning 17 older units to lessors as part of its ongoing fleet renewal program. The carrier wrapped up A319 operations in late 2025, focusing exclusively on larger, more efficient A320 and A321 models.

Volaris’s parent company, controlled by Indigo Partners (which also owns U.S. carrier Frontier), announced plans to merge with Viva Aerobus in a 50-50 holding company structure. This transaction, expected to close in 2026 pending regulatory approval, would create Mexico’s dominant low-cost airline group.

3. Viva Aerobus: Ultra-Low-Cost Pioneer

Viva (formerly branded as Viva Aerobus) has established itself as Mexico’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, operating the youngest fleet in Latin America. Founded in 2006, the airline maintains the lowest cost per seat among regional carriers, enabling rock-bottom fares on domestic and international routes.

The carrier operates over 83 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft with an average fleet age of just five years. Viva serves key hubs including Monterrey, Cancún, Guadalajara, Mexico City (both main airport and AIFA), Mérida, and Tijuana.

Viva Aerobus Key Facts:

Viva recently secured innovative financing through a French-optimized lease structure with Natixis, marking Latin America’s first such arrangement. This financing deal lowers the airline’s ownership costs and supports continued growth in underserved markets.

The pending merger with Volaris would combine two carriers that collectively control approximately 69-71% of Mexico’s domestic passenger market. Both airlines will maintain separate brands and operating certificates while benefiting from shared resources and lower fleet costs.

4. Mexicana de Aviación: The Military-Run Revival

The Mexican government relaunched Mexicana de Aviación in late 2023 as a state-owned carrier operated by the country’s military. This represents the revival of a historic brand that previously ceased operations in 2010 after financial difficulties.

However, Mexicana has faced significant operational challenges in its first year. The airline reported $50 million in losses during 2024 and suspended eight routes in January 2025, reducing its network to just 10 destinations by February 2026.

Operating Status: Active but scaled back
Main Hub: Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA)
Destinations: 10-12 cities (reduced from 18)
Fleet: Limited capacity after partner withdrawal
Ownership: Mexican federal government
Launch Date: December 2023

TAR Aerolíneas terminated its partnership with Mexicana in early 2025, leaving the state carrier with minimal aircraft. Experts attribute these struggles to insufficient fleet size, lack of operational infrastructure, and the challenges of reviving a defunct brand.

By February 2026, Mexicana plans to operate flights to 12 destinations including Tulum, Tijuana, Mérida, San José del Cabo, and Mazatlán, though these projections remain uncertain given ongoing difficulties.

5. TAR Aerolíneas (TAR México): Regional Connectivity Specialist

TAR Aerolíneas, recently rebranded as TAR México, operates as a regional carrier focusing on secondary cities and underserved markets throughout Mexico. Founded in 2012 and owned by Grupo Mafra, the airline maintains its headquarters in Querétaro.

The carrier operates an all-Embraer regional jet fleet, connecting approximately 15 airports across Mexico as of January 2026. TAR’s network includes cities like Ciudad Juárez, Los Mochis, Culiacán, and La Paz.

TAR México Profile:

TAR announced expansion plans for 2025-2026, including four new routes and fleet growth. The airline plans to launch service between El Paso and Chihuahua City in summer 2026, offering three weekly flights with 50-seat regional jets.

After withdrawing as Mexicana’s operating partner, TAR now focuses exclusively on its own branded services, concentrating on point-to-point regional routes that larger carriers typically overlook.

6. Aeroméxico Connect: The Regional Subsidiary

Aeroméxico Connect operates as the regional subsidiary of Aeroméxico, providing feeder services to the parent company’s Mexico City hub. Founded in 1988, this carrier specializes in serving smaller cities with limited demand that cannot support mainline jet service.

The airline operates under IATA code 5D and callsign COSTERA, flying exclusively Embraer 190 regional aircraft.

Aeroméxico Connect maintains seamless integration with its parent company, offering through-ticketing and coordinated schedules that connect passengers from regional markets to Aeroméxico’s extensive domestic and international network.

Parent Company: Aeroméxico
Founded: 1988
Fleet: Embraer 190 regional jets
Primary Role: Feed traffic to Mexico City hub
Branding: Part of Aeroméxico Group
Operating Model: Regional feeder service

As part of the broader Aeroméxico network, Connect passengers benefit from SkyTeam alliance access and the loyalty program integration that comes with the parent carrier’s membership.

7. Magnicharters: Charter and Scheduled Hybrid

Magnicharters operates a unique hybrid model, offering both charter flights and limited scheduled service from its Mexico City base. Founded in 1994, the airline primarily serves leisure destinations within Mexico, with particular emphasis on beach resorts and tourist centers.

The carrier operates under IATA code UJ with the callsign GRUPOMONTERREY. Magnicharters serves destinations including Cancún and other popular vacation spots, though its route network remains considerably smaller than the major carriers.

Magnicharters Overview:

The airline fills a niche in Mexico’s aviation market by offering affordable charter options for tour operators and wholesale travel companies, supplemented by select scheduled routes during peak tourism seasons.

8. Aerus: The Newest Scheduled Carrier

Aerus represents one of Mexico’s newest scheduled airlines, having commenced operations in 2022. Operating from its Monterrey hub, this carrier focuses on select domestic routes using regional aircraft.

Limited public information exists about Aerus’s current route network and fleet size, though the airline operates under IATA code ZV and ICAO code RFD with the callsign RAFILHER. As a relatively new entrant, Aerus appears to be building its network gradually while establishing operational reliability.

Launch Year: 2022
Hub: Monterrey
Operating Status: Active scheduled service
Fleet: Regional aircraft
IATA Code: ZV
Market Position: Emerging regional carrier

The carrier’s long-term strategy and growth trajectory remain to be seen as it competes in a market dominated by well-established low-cost giants and the national flag carrier.

9. Aéreo Servicio Guerrero: Baja California Specialist

Aéreo Servicio Guerrero operates as a small regional carrier serving destinations in Baja California and northwestern Mexico. Founded in 1997 with its base in Hermosillo, the airline focuses on connecting remote communities with limited transportation alternatives.

The carrier operates under the callsign AERO NUEVO and primarily utilizes small turboprop or light jet aircraft suitable for shorter runways and lower passenger volumes. Aéreo Servicio Guerrero serves airports including Mazatlán and other regional facilities throughout the Baja peninsula.

Aéreo Servicio Guerrero Summary:

These small regional carriers serve a critical function in Mexico’s aviation infrastructure, connecting isolated communities where larger airlines find operations economically unfeasible.

10. Señor Air: Cabo’s Boutique Operator

Señor Air launched in 2023 as a boutique carrier based in Cabo San Lucas, serving the Los Cabos region of Baja California Sur. This relatively new airline caters to the premium tourism market in one of Mexico’s most popular resort destinations.

Operating with callsign SEN, Señor Air represents the newest addition to Mexico’s scheduled airline roster. The carrier’s specific route network and fleet composition remain limited in available public data, though its focus on the affluent Los Cabos market suggests a niche positioning strategy.

Founded: 2023
Base: Cabo San Lucas
Target Market: Premium leisure travelers
Service Area: Los Cabos region
Age: Newest Mexican scheduled carrier
Status: Active operations

The emergence of boutique carriers like Señor Air demonstrates the diversity within Mexico’s aviation sector, with opportunities for specialized operators serving specific geographic or demographic niches.

Cargo Carriers: The Freight Specialists

Mexico maintains several dedicated cargo airlines that keep the country’s supply chains moving. These freight specialists operate distinct from passenger carriers, though their economic importance remains substantial.

Major Mexican Cargo Airlines:

Aeroméxico Cargo operates as the cargo division of the national carrier, utilizing Boeing freighters and belly capacity on passenger flights to serve domestic and international shipping needs. The carrier maintains service to major logistics hubs throughout North America.

AeroUnion and MasAir represent independent cargo specialists operating from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), offering scheduled freight services throughout Mexico and select international destinations.

Estafeta Carga Aérea serves as the airborne arm of Mexico’s Estafeta express delivery service, similar to FedEx or UPS operations in the United States. Founded in 2000, the carrier operates from San Luis Potosí, maintaining time-sensitive package delivery throughout the country.

Charter and On-Demand Operators

Beyond scheduled airlines, Mexico hosts numerous charter and on-demand carriers serving business aviation, seasonal tourist flights, and specialized transport needs. These operators typically do not maintain regular published schedules but offer flights based on customer demand.

Notable charter operators registered with AFAC include:

• Aerolíneas Ejecutivas (Toluca) - Business aviation
• First Jet - Private charter services
• Eurus Aviation (Toluca) - Corporate flights
• FlyMex (formerly VuelaMex) - Charter operations
• Transpais Aéreo (Monterrey) - Regional charters
• Aerodan - Charter services
• AX Transporter (Cancún) - Tourism charters

These operators fill gaps in Mexico’s aviation network by providing flexible capacity for corporate travel, sports teams, entertainment groups, and seasonal tourism demand that scheduled carriers cannot efficiently serve.

My Final Thoughts

Mexico’s airline sector demonstrates remarkable diversity, ranging from the established flag carrier Aeroméxico to ultra-low-cost giants Volaris and Viva, emerging regional specialists, and the struggling state-owned Mexicana revival project.

The pending Volaris-Viva Aerobus merger represents the most significant industry consolidation in Mexican aviation history, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics throughout 2026 and beyond.

Passengers benefit from this variety, with options spanning full-service international connectivity, rock-bottom domestic fares, and specialized regional access.

However, the industry faces challenges, including the uncertain future of Mexicana de Aviación, regulatory scrutiny of the major merger, and questions about sustainable service to secondary markets.

The carriers that succeed will be those offering clear value propositions: either the comprehensive network and service quality of Aeroméxico, the aggressive pricing of the low-cost carriers, or the essential connectivity provided by regional specialists.

Mexico’s geographic diversity and growing economy support all these models, creating one of Latin America’s most dynamic aviation markets.