Mexico Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviacion Civil)
- Website: https://www.gob.mx/afac
- Contact: +52 55 5723 9300 (AFAC)
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights require advance API manifest. Multi-entry permit available for frequent operators.
Non-scheduled flights require DGAC authorization. Apply via SENEAM at least 72 hours in advance.
Covered by bilateral agreements. Slots required at major airports (MEX, CUN, GDL).
Overflight Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: AFAC / SENEAM
- Lead Time: Private: 24 hours (AIU); Charter: 10 business days (individual flight); 90+ business days (new Blanket Permit)
- Validity: Private AIU: 180 days; Charter Blanket Permit: indefinite (no expiration)
- Fees: SENEAM navigation charges (must be paid by 10th of month following incurrence; unpaid fees by 17th result in suspension and grounding)
Since Jan 2024, annual/multi-entry permits for private operators replaced by AIU (Autorizacion de Internacion Unica) valid 180 days. Charter operators must hold a validated Blanket Permit (no exceptions) -- new Blanket Permits take 90+ business days. SENEAM maintains internal suspension list (300+ operators); unpaid fees result in grounding without prior notice.
1. Engage a local handler or permit service provider (strongly recommended) 2. For private non-revenue: request AIU (Autorizacion de Internacion Unica) from AFAC -- allow 24 hours lead time 3. For charter: must first obtain a validated Blanket Permit from AFAC (allow 90+ business days for new permits) 4. Provide: aircraft registration, AOC (charter), insurance certificate (must exactly match registration name), crew licenses 5. Ensure all SENEAM fees are current -- check with handler as suspension list is not public 6. Submit Mexico APIS for all international movements 7. AIU valid 180 days; Blanket Permits have no expiration and may list multiple aircraft
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: AFAC
- Lead Time: Private: 24 hours (AIU); Charter: 10 business days per flight request
- Validity: Private AIU: 180 days; Charter Blanket Permit: indefinite; individual charter approvals per flight
- Fees: Landing fees, TUA (airport tax), SENEAM charges, airport overtime charges
All charter operators must hold a validated Blanket Permit (includes AFAC validation of AOC); single-entry charter permits no longer available. Insurance must exactly match aircraft registration certificate name (no operator name substitution). Mexican insurance from a locally licensed company is mandatory. Mexico APIS submission required for all arriving/departing aircraft.
1. Engage a local handler or permit service provider (strongly recommended) 2. For private: apply for AIU from AFAC (24 hours lead time); valid 180 days 3. For charter: submit individual flight request at least 10 business days in advance under existing Blanket Permit 4. Obtain Mexican liability insurance from a locally licensed company (mandatory -- insurance must exactly match the name on the aircraft registration certificate) 5. Submit Mexico APIS for all arriving/departing aircraft 6. Settle all SENEAM fees (aircraft will be grounded if outstanding; suspension list includes 300+ operators) 7. Pay landing fees, TUA, and airport overtime charges 8. Blanket Permit holders: ensure AOC validation is current with AFAC
Cabotage
No (strictly enforced)
General Remarks
Significant regulatory changes in 2024-2025. Annual permits eliminated; AIU (180-day) for private ops, indefinite Blanket Permits for charter. SENEAM fee enforcement is aggressive -- aircraft grounded without prior notice. Insurance name-matching requirement is strict. Mexico APIS required for all international flights.