IATA and CANAERO have warned that Mexico’s proposed 2027 federal budget would sharply reduce funding for the civil aviation regulator AFAC, raising concern over the agency’s ability to maintain technical oversight and safety supervision. The draft package reportedly allocates about MX$175 million to AFAC, a cut of roughly 73% to 74% from this year’s level.
The industry groups urged the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit and the Chamber of Deputies to review the measure as part of the 2027 Economic Package. AFAC is responsible for certification, surveillance and operational oversight across Mexican aviation, making its budget a key factor in regulatory capacity and compliance with international safety standards.
The proposal has already drawn criticism from across the sector, with earlier reports describing the regulator’s allocation as the lowest since its creation. AFAC later indicated that the finance ministry would ensure additional resources in 2027 beyond the initial budget package, easing some immediate concern but leaving the funding dispute unresolved.