The Federal Aviation Administration delivered an evaluation report to Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency on October 14, following an on-site audit conducted between August 10 and 14. The assessment examined 339 items under the International Aviation Safety Assessment program, resulting in 21 technical, operational, and administrative observations.
According to AFAC, the findings focus on updating regulations, circulars, and operating manuals, alongside strengthening inspection programs, personnel staffing, and training. The Mexican agency did not state whether any items represent non-compliance with ICAO standards. The FAA plans a follow-up visit in December to evaluate corrective actions, with the final audit determination scheduled for February 2027.
Mexico has maintained Category 1 status since September 2023. A downgrade to Category 2, which previously applied between May 2021 and September 2023, would restrict Mexican carriers from inaugurating new routes or expanding operations to the United States, while also prohibiting codeshare agreements with U.S. airlines.
Local media previously reported key deficiencies identified during the audit, including shortcomings in aeronautical English certification processes and a shortage of qualified technical inspectors. These operational challenges coincide with budget reductions, with AFAC receiving 657 million pesos in 2026 compared to 902.09 million in 2023, alongside further cuts projected for 2027.
Why it matters for your training
For flight crews, IASA oversight directly influences cross-border network expansion, airline codeshare agreements, and regulatory enforcement of aeronautical language proficiency standards.
