World

Mexico City Airports to Close for Four Hours During Independence Day Military Flyover

By MND Staff

Air traffic at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) will be suspended for four hours on Wednesday, September 16, to allow military aircraft to safely perform flyovers during the country's Independence Day parade. The Mexican Navy, which operates AICM, announced the suspension in a statement, noting that both takeoffs and landings will be halted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Navy said the closure is necessary "to ensure the safety of the military air maneuvers that will be carried out to commemorate the 216th anniversary of the start of Mexico's independence," acting under directives from aviation authorities. According to Notices to Airmen A8260/26 and B1724/26, issued by the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and distributed through the Mexican Airspace Navigation Services (SENEAM), AICM will be closed to all flights during the specified window. AIFA, located in México state, will observe the same suspension hours. Military aircraft participating in the Independence Day flyovers will depart from Santa Lucía Air Force Base, which is adjacent to AIFA. The Navy urged passengers with flights scheduled for Wednesday to check with their airlines regarding possible schedule changes, noting that "this event will result in some adjustments to scheduled times." The Independence Day parade is set to begin at 10 a.m. with a flyover of nearly 100 Air Force and National Guard aircraft and helicopters over the Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, including F-5 fighter jets performing a fleur-de-lis formation. The ground parade will start near the Zócalo, pass by the Palacio de Bellas Artes, continue along Juárez Avenue and Paseo de la Reforma, and conclude at the Campo Marte military complex near Chapultepec Park.