Mexico is currently in its peak winter travel season, with exceptionally high demand affecting both leisure and business aviation operations. Beach destinations and key business aviation airports are experiencing congestion, parking saturation, and operational delays. Operators planning flights to Mexico through late January should expect reduced flexibility and plan conservatively.

Below is a summary of the most impactful issues currently affecting Mexico operations.

Current Operating Environment

Peak seasonal travel is driving heavy traffic at several airports, particularly near beach destinations. Los Cabos (MMSD), Puerto Vallarta (MMPR), and MMSL remain among the busiest, with knock-on effects for parking availability, fuel coordination, and handling timelines.

Operators should anticipate:

• Limited or unavailable overnight parking at high-demand airports
• Fuel delays during peak arrival and departure banks
• Increased scrutiny of permits and documentation

Airspace and Military Activity Advisory

Recent FAA advisories regarding potential military activity in the region do not currently impact civil aviation operations in Mexico. Mexican authorities have confirmed that national airspace remains fully operational, and there are no restrictions affecting general or commercial aviation at this time.

Active NOTAMs and Runway Closures

Toluca (MMTO)

• Jan 19–29, 2026 – RWY 15/33 closed
  • Jan 19–23, 26–29: 1855–2000 UTC
  • ONLY RUNWAY

Querétaro (MMQT)

• Jan 10–31, 2026 – RWY 09/27 closed on listed dates
  • 0700–0930 UTC
  • ONLY RUNWAY

Puerto Vallarta (MMPR)

• Until Jan 31, 2026 – RWY 04/22 closed
  • Jan 20, 24, 31: 0600–1200 UTC
  • Jan 21–23, 25, 27–30: 0500–1200 UTC
  • ONLY RUNWAY

Operators should factor runway availability carefully when planning arrivals and departures, particularly at single-runway airports.

Parking Constraints and Airport Impacts

Puerto Vallarta (MMPR)

Parking aprons are fully saturated due to peak season demand. Overnight parking cannot be confirmed, and large-cabin aircraft (GLF5, GLEX, FA7X) are not currently being approved for overnight stays.

Same-day operations should plan fuel cautiously, as ramp congestion may cause delays. These conditions are expected to persist through the end of January.

Preferred alternates: MMGL, MMTO

Manzanillo (MMZO)

Overnight parking is prohibited due to apron saturation and seasonal congestion under an active NOTAM.

Recommended alternates: MMGL, MMTO, MMQT

Mexico City Area Operations

MMSM / NLU

The FULL AIR FBO has ceased operations, and no handling services are currently available.

All Mexico City–area general aviation operations should be rerouted to Toluca (MMTO) until further notice.

Fuel Availability – Toluca (MMTO)

A third-party fuel provider, Fly Across, is now operating at MMTO and can typically dispatch fuel trucks within 10–20 minutes of request.

Fly Across accepts World Fuel and AVCARD and is recommended due to frequent delays with the government fuel supplier, which has limited equipment and prioritizes airline operations over general aviation.

Pets and Documentation Requirements

All arriving flights with pets are subject to mandatory SAGARPA/SENASICA inspection.

Requirements include:

• Original health and vaccination certificates presented by the pet owner
• Health certificates valid for 15 days, including rabies and parasite treatment
• Advance submission of documentation and SENASICA Form FF-003

Missing or incomplete documentation may result in 1–2 hour delays. No pet documentation is required on departure.

Prohibited Items Reminder

Vapes and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited in Mexico. Possession alone can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. Crew and passengers should not bring vaping devices into the country under any circumstances.

Planning Recommendations

• Confirm parking and fuel in advance, particularly at coastal airports
• Avoid assuming overnight availability at peak-season destinations
• Monitor runway NOTAMs closely at single-runway airports
• Route Mexico City operations through MMTO
• Verify pet and passenger documentation prior to departure

Bottom Line

Mexico remains fully operational for civil aviation, but peak season conditions are creating real constraints at several high-demand airports. Operators who plan conservatively, confirm services early, and build alternates into their itineraries will be best positioned to avoid delays and last-minute disruptions.

Universal Aviation Mexico continues to monitor conditions and support operators across the region.