Ensure Suburban Access to AIFA: A Call for Action

The Suburban Train branch to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is facing a delay in starting tests and opening in the third quarter of 2024. Max Noria, director of Marketing for Suburban Railways, has stated that the right of way has been the main issue, with only 80% clearance as of September. The exact number of sections remaining to be released in the 15-kilometer stretch where the company works is unknown, but it is expected that the project will be ready for testing in the last quarter of the administration, potentially allowing for operation to begin in the third quarter of next year.

The new deadline implies an extension of the previously mentioned June 2023 date for the train to be in operation. The construction of the Suburban branch from Lechería station to AIFA covers 23 kilometers, with eight located on Santa Lucía air base polygon and 15 in Tultitlán and Tultepec municipalities. In Tultepec’s section, Suburban Railways is carrying out civil engineering work to equip the branch line with catenary, electrical substation and signaling systems while Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation is responsible for acquiring trains and other infrastructure.

As of September, despite ongoing day and night work by over 77 machines and more than 2 thousand workers, only 46% completion was achieved due to various challenges faced during construction. However, Max Noria stated that they are determined to fulfill President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s promise not to leave any work unfinished before his term ends.