An intense electrical storm struck the eastern zone of the Valley of Mexico, forcing the preventive closure of runways at the Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City to guarantee the operational safety of domestic and international flights, according to official reports.
The severe weather on Friday, September 11, 2026, disrupted travel as airlines such as Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva, American Airlines, Delta, United, Iberia, and Lufthansa faced temporary suspensions. According to the airport administration, officials initiated a physical review of runways and taxiways following the accumulation of water and lightning activity. The airport estimated that operations on runway 05 left / 23 right could resume around 20:00 hours, while activities on runway 05 right / 23 izquierda were projected to restart toward 21:00 hours.
Weather Alerts Issued Across Capital Alcaldías
The Secretariat for Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC) updated its alert map as heavy rains and hail persisted through the evening. An Orange Alert was issued specifically for the Venustiano Carranza alcaldía, where the capital air terminal is located. Meanwhile, a Yellow Alert remained active across the remaining 15 alcaldías: Álvaro Obregón, Azcapotzalco, Benito Juárez, Coyoacán, Cuauhtémoc, Cuajimalpa, Gustavo A. Madero, Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, La Magdalena Contreras, Miguel Hidalgo, Milpa Alta, Tláhuac, Tlalpan, and Xochimilco.
https://x.com/AICM_mx/status/2098582693411709117
According to the Secretariat for Integral Water Management (SEGIAGUA), the heavy precipitation dumped an accumulated volume exceeding 23.2 million cubic meters of water across the capital. The downpour triggered an emergency response involving 115 personnel, including operational staff, engineers, and specialized crews. These teams deployed 40 units of heavy machinery, featuring 20 hydroneutic units and six Hercules-type units.
Did You Know? Pluviometric stations recorded the highest rainfall totals in the Tláhuac alcaldía, led by PB La Lupita with 69.75 mm, Tláhuac with 63 mm, E.P. Reb. Tequesquite with 53.5 mm, and Planta Santa Catarina with 52.25 mm.
Drainage Operations and Flood Mitigation
Storm impacts concentrated heavily in the southern and eastern regions of the Valle de México. Significant rainfall values were also registered at E.P. San Pedro Actopan in Xochimilco at 44.5 mm, and E.P. Manantial Tulmiac in Milpa Alta at 36.75 mm. Despite the high volume of water, operational brigades successfully resolved 100% of reported water accumulations in the Gustavo A. Madero and Tláhuac alcaldías.
In the northern part of the city, technical personnel deployed emergency pumping to clear circulation under the Insurgentes Norte and Circuito Interior underpass. Regarding material damage, SEGIAGUA, working alongside Civil Protection and the Secretariat of Attention and Citizen Participation, identified a preliminary total of eight affected homes in the La Habana, Selene, and Selene 1ª Sección neighborhoods in Tláhuac, where census work remains underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Benito Juárez International Airport close its runways?
Airport authorities suspended arrivals and departures temporarily due to water accumulation and a severe electrical storm, prioritizing operational safety while conducting physical inspections of runways and taxiways.
https://x.com/SGIRPC_CDMX/status/2098585739394998548
What weather alerts were activated in Mexico City?
The Secretariat of Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection activated an Orange Alert for the Venustiano Carranza alcaldía and a Yellow Alert across the remaining 15 alcaldías.
Which areas recorded the highest rainfall levels?
The heaviest rainfall concentrated in the southern and eastern zones, with the highest pluviometric readings recorded in Tláhuac at stations including PB La Lupita and Tláhuac.
What steps are you taking to stay informed about transit delays during severe weather events in the capital?
Worth a look