Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
History, Facts and Overview

(Mexico City, Mexico)

The Central Airport of Mexico City was officially inaugurated in 1939, when it was known locally as the Puerto Aéreo Central de la Ciudad de México. By the 1960s, jet-powered charter planes were transporting large numbers of passengers and the city's tourism industry soon began to boom. In 1964, several airports around Mexico were closed and the Federal Government implemented a number of major restructuring plans. Today, Mexico City International Airport (MEX) has grown to become the busiest and biggest airport in the whole of Latin America and ranks in the world's top 50.

In total there are more than 160 shops spread around Mexico City Airport, making the airport feel more like a shopping mall at times. Popular shops include Aeroboutiques, Bijoux, Duty & Tax Free, Dulces de Mexico, Fiesta Arts & Crafts, Mex Souvenirs, Mexicanissimo and Satsuki.


Food and beverages are also widespread, with around 80 eateries offering everything from fast-food and snacks, to fine dining in pleasant surroundings. The Medas bars are always busy and most offer computer terminals with Internet access.

Also on offer at Mexico City Airport are a number of secure lockers, courier and mail services, an International Business Club, parking spaces for just over 1,900 vehicles, and tourism offices, including outlets of the Asociacion de Hoteles de la Ciudad De Mexico and Secretaria de Turismo DF. Four VIP lounges are operated by the Centurion Club, Telcel and Televisa, while financial services are provided by Aerochange, American Express, Banamex, Consultoria, HSBC and Money Exchange.