Mexico’s aviation industry has seen a strong performance in the first seven months of 2025, as the country’s leading airlines—Aeroméxico, Viva, and Volaris—reported a collective increase in passenger traffic. A total of 44.5 million passengers were transported by these carriers, representing a 4.62% growth compared to the same period in 2024, when the number stood at 42.56 million. This growth highlights the recovery of the Mexican aviation sector, which has been bolstered by both strong domestic demand and growing international travel.
Viva, one of Mexico’s ultra-low-cost carriers, outpaced its competitors with the highest increase in passenger numbers. The airline carried 17.06 million passengers during the first seven months of 2025, marking a notable 10.3% rise from 15.4 million passengers in the same period in 2024. This growth was particularly evident in the summer months, with Viva seeing 2.74 million passengers in July alone, reflecting a 7.8% year-over-year increase.
Despite facing ongoing operational challenges, including issues related to engine components, Viva has managed to maintain a stable performance. The airline adjusted its operations, deploying additional capacity to meet the heightened demand of the summer season. Although its load factor saw a slight decrease, reaching 88.6% compared to 92.0% in July 2024, Viva’s performance in both domestic and international markets remained strong.
In particular, Viva increased its domestic capacity by 8.5% and boosted its international capacity by 17.5% in July. This strategic capacity expansion allowed Viva to further solidify its position as a leader in both domestic and international travel. While its domestic routes posted a robust load factor of 89.6%, its international routes saw a slightly lower figure of 83.8%, showing room for improvement in its long-haul operations.
As the largest airline in Mexico, Aeroméxico’s performance in 2025 has been somewhat subdued compared to its competitors. The airline transported 14.3 million passengers during the first seven months of the year, but this represented a 3.1% decline from the 14.7 million passengers it carried in the same period in 2024. While Aeroméxico remains a dominant player in Mexico’s aviation landscape, the decline in passenger numbers highlights the challenges it continues to face, including fluctuating demand and rising operational costs.
Aeroméxico’s performance reflects a broader trend in the industry, where some airlines have struggled to match the growth rates of their competitors. Despite this decline, Aeroméxico remains well-positioned, with a strong domestic network and a growing international presence. The airline is continuing to focus on enhancing its services and operations to reverse the current downward trend.
Volaris, another major low-cost carrier in Mexico, followed closely behind Viva with 13.1 million passengers transported during the first seven months of 2025. This figure places Volaris in third position, but its performance shows solid, steady growth within the Mexican aviation sector. While Volaris’ growth rate was not as pronounced as Viva’s, its focus on expanding its domestic and international networks has contributed to its continued success.
Volaris’ ability to offer competitive pricing, along with its growing network of both domestic and international routes, has made it a popular choice among travelers. The airline continues to expand its footprint in Mexico and across North America, taking advantage of increasing demand for low-cost air travel.
The growth in passenger traffic for these three airlines signals a positive outlook for the Mexican aviation industry as a whole. Despite the challenges faced by Aeroméxico, the overall industry growth reflects a robust recovery and the resilience of Mexico’s airlines. The airlines’ ability to adapt to changing market conditions, adjust capacities, and meet evolving passenger demands will play a crucial role in their continued success.
However, there are still several challenges ahead. The aviation industry continues to face external pressures such as fluctuating fuel prices, geopolitical factors, and ongoing operational disruptions. These challenges will likely affect all players in the market, and the ability to maintain growth will depend on how effectively these airlines can manage these external factors.
For now, Viva’s aggressive expansion strategies, Aeroméxico’s ongoing network adjustments, and Volaris’ steady growth suggest a dynamic and competitive market for the remainder of 2025. As the summer season fades, these carriers will look to capitalize on the rising demand for both domestic and international travel, navigating through any operational challenges and seeking new opportunities to grow their passenger bases.
Mexico’s leading airlines, despite facing different challenges, are continuing to drive strong performance in the country’s aviation sector. Viva’s remarkable growth, particularly in international markets, stands as a testament to the rising demand for budget-friendly travel options. Aeroméxico’s slight decline in passengers is a reminder of the intense competition in the market, while Volaris’ consistent performance underscores the potential of Mexico’s low-cost carriers to capture the interest of cost-conscious travelers. With the overall industry continuing to grow, it remains to be seen how these airlines will adapt to future challenges, but the outlook for 2025 remains positive.
