The Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM) announced operational assistance for Air France departure flights scheduled throughout the afternoon and night of Sunday, September 13, following severe weather disruptions and flight cancellations, according to official statements released by the airport.
Weather Disruptions and Initial Flight Suspensions at AICM
The operational difficulties at the capital’s terminal began on Friday, September 11, when heavy precipitation and thunderstorms struck the area. According to airport authorities, the Benito Juárez International Airport temporarily suspended all aircraft takeoffs and landings to maintain operational safety during the storm.
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Data provided by the terminal show that 48 operations sustained direct impacts from the weather event. Specifically, 43 arriving flights were diverted to alternative airports, while five departing flights were canceled altogether. These initial suspensions disrupted travel itineraries for 7,707 users before operations resumed partially later that night.
Passenger Protests and Consecutive Cancellations at Air France Counters
By Saturday, September 12, the situation escalated as dozens of travelers gathered near the Air France service counters to denounce what they described as a second day of flight cancellations. According to user videos circulating on social media, passengers expressed intense frustration over a lack of immediate travel solutions.
In one recorded exchange cited across news reports, an affected passenger confronted an airline employee over the uncertainty of their itinerary. “Tell everyone what we are going to do. It’s just not a solution. You have to tell us ‘The plane is arriving in an hour and a half,'” the passenger stated to the staff member. Additional reports from journalist Joaquín López-Dóriga and outlet coverage noted that the flight to Paris had faced a cancellation the prior night, followed by a rescheduling for Saturday and a subsequent second cancellation.
Did You Know? On September 11, adverse weather conditions forced the temporary suspension of takeoffs and landings at the capital’s airport, ultimately affecting 48 flight operations and 7,707 passengers.
Coordinated Operational Support Scheduled for Sunday
In response to the growing crowds and ongoing delays, the AICM utilized its official channel on X to outline new coordination efforts with aviation authorities and the airline. The airport administration stated that the upcoming measures for Sunday, September 13, aim to protect affected passengers while maintaining strict adherence to regulations and prioritizing operational safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Air France flights initially suspended at the AICM?
The disruptions began on September 11 due to heavy precipitation and thunderstorms in the capital, which forced the airport to suspend takeoffs and landings temporarily for safety reasons.
What is the airport doing to help affected passengers?
According to the AICM, the terminal is granting operational facilities for Air France departure flights during the afternoon and night of Sunday, September 13, in coordination with authorities and the airline.
How many total operations were affected by the initial storm?
Airport data shows that 48 operations suffered impacts, which included 43 arriving flights diverted to alternate airports and five departing flights canceled, impacting 7,707 users.
What steps should international travelers take when facing consecutive flight cancellations at major metropolitan terminals during severe weather seasons?
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