Mexico is working under intense pressure to complete a massive $500 million renovation project at Mexico City’s main airport before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup next month. With millions of football fans expected to arrive from around the world, authorities are racing against time to make sure the airport is fully prepared before the tournament begins.
The Benito Juárez International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Latin America, is currently filled with construction workers, drilling machines, temporary barriers, and unfinished areas as renovation work continues day and night. Passengers traveling through the airport have reported loud noise, confusion inside terminals, delays, and overcrowding as the project enters its final stage.
Mexico Preparing for Global Attention
Mexico will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Canada. Mexico City is expected to host several important matches, including the opening game of the tournament, putting the country under global attention.
Government officials say the airport renovation is necessary because the existing facilities have become outdated after years of heavy use. The airport currently handles around 120,000 passengers daily, and authorities feared the infrastructure would struggle badly during the World Cup if urgent upgrades were not completed.
The renovation project officially began in 2025 and is one of the largest airport modernization efforts currently taking place in the country.
Airport Still Under Heavy Construction
Despite the approaching tournament, large sections of the airport still appear unfinished. Construction crews are reportedly working up to 20 hours daily to meet deadlines before the first wave of international visitors arrives.
Travelers moving through the terminals can still see exposed ceilings, construction tools, blocked walkways, and workers replacing flooring and electrical systems. In some areas, passengers are being redirected through temporary routes because normal pathways remain closed for repairs.
Several travelers have described the current situation at the airport as stressful and chaotic, especially during busy travel hours.
What the Renovation Includes
The renovation project covers major improvements across the airport. Authorities are replacing old flooring, upgrading lighting systems, expanding waiting areas, renovating restrooms, and improving baggage claim sections.
Officials also confirmed that new artificial intelligence-powered security systems are being installed across the airport. The number of surveillance cameras is expected to increase significantly before the World Cup begins.
An anti-drone security system is also reportedly being introduced to improve safety during the tournament, as authorities prepare for the arrival of large international crowds.
According to airport authorities, many sections of the airport had suffered from years of neglect, including leaking roofs, damaged pipes, overcrowding, and aging infrastructure that required urgent repairs.
Officials Admit the Work Has Been Difficult
Airport officials have admitted that the renovation has been more complicated than expected because parts of the airport are over 50 years old. Engineers reportedly discovered structural problems after construction work had already started.
Officials also explained that some original building plans for the airport could no longer be found, making repairs more difficult for construction teams.
Even with these challenges, authorities insist that the first phase of the renovation will be completed before the World Cup opening ceremony.
Sewage Leak Raised Fresh Concerns
Earlier this month, the airport faced public criticism after a sewage pipe reportedly burst inside Terminal One during ongoing construction work.
The incident caused dirty water to spread through parts of the terminal and reportedly led to a partial ceiling collapse in one area. Some airport services were temporarily disrupted while emergency repairs were carried out.
Videos and photos from the incident quickly spread online, raising concerns among travelers about whether the airport would truly be ready before the tournament begins.
Residents and Travelers React
Many travelers have complained about delays, heavy congestion, and confusing movement around the airport due to the ongoing construction. Some passengers say the airport feels disorganized as workers continue rushing to complete repairs.
However, others believe the renovation is necessary and could improve the airport long after the World Cup ends.
Some residents in Mexico City also see the tournament as an opportunity for the government to modernize public infrastructure faster than usual.
Government Says Airport Will Be Ready
Despite public concern, Mexican authorities remain confident that the airport will be ready before the arrival of World Cup fans.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has repeatedly assured citizens that all major World Cup projects across the country are progressing according to schedule.
For now, construction workers continue operating around the clock as Mexico prepares to welcome millions of football supporters for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
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