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
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:
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Fleet Size | 148 aircraft |
Aircraft Types | Boeing 787, 737; Embraer 190 |
Destinations | 89 cities (48 domestic, 41 international) |
Alliance | SkyTeam founding member |
Main Hub | Mexico City International Airport |
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.
