Mexico AFAC Permits: Private and Charter Operator Guide
Practical LFS guide to AFAC permit workflows for Part 91 and Part 135-equivalent operators flying into Mexico — including what changed after the 2023 reorganisation.
Practical LFS guide to AFAC permit workflows for Part 91 and Part 135-equivalent operators flying into Mexico — including what changed after the 2023 reorganisation.
Why Mexico permits get complicated
The 2023 reorganisation of Mexican civil aviation moved permit issuance from the previous DGAC into AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil), and the workflows have continued to evolve through 2024–2026. Operators who haven't filed for Mexico recently should not assume their last successful playbook still works. Single-entry permits, multi-entry blanket permits, and the documentation chain all sit slightly differently than they did pre-reorganisation.
Single-entry permits
Private (Part 91 equivalent) movements typically file single-entry permits per trip. Lead time is 72 hours standard, with 48-hour clearance possible for clean repeat operators. Documents needed: AOC if charter, certificate of registration, insurance certificate, airworthiness certificate, complete flight schedule, crew licenses, passenger manifest. The application goes through AFAC's online portal or via a licensed Mexican handler/agent.
Multi-entry blanket permits
Charter and frequent operators benefit from multi-entry permits valid for 6–12 months. The application is heavier (full operator documentation, demonstrated need, sometimes a Mexican-resident liaison) but eliminates per-trip permit lead time. LFS holds standing relationships with AFAC-accredited agents in Mexico City and handles the renewal cycle for repeat operators.
Slot constraints
MMMX (Mexico City Benito Juárez) is heavily slot-constrained for non-scheduled traffic and many movements are routed instead to MMTO (Toluca) or MMSM (Santa Lucía / Felipe Ángeles). Toluca is the established business-aviation airport for the capital; expect FBO handling via ASA, Aerocenter, or Universal Aviation. Resort destinations (MMSD Los Cabos, MMUN Cancún) are less slot-constrained but customs and handler queues lengthen during peak season.
Common rejection reasons
Insurance limits below Mexican minimums, AOC scope not authorising the operation type, mismatched aircraft/operator details between application and supporting documents, and incomplete crew documentation. Mexico also requires that the operator's worldwide insurance explicitly extend to Mexican operations — a generic 'worldwide' policy is sometimes rejected without an explicit Mexico endorsement.
Customs and immigration
Mexico's APIS-equivalent system requires advance passenger notification. Customs at major business-aviation airports is generally efficient but unpredictable hours at smaller fields. Plan customs clearance times realistically and never assume officers will hold for late arrivals.
Related LFS resources
Talk to LFS
LFS Aviation runs 24/7 dispatch from Bahrain. If you have a movement that touches any of the above, send us a trip request or contact our duty desk. We respond inside one hour.
Operator FAQs
How long does an AFAC single-entry permit take?
72 hours standard. Repeat operators with clean documentation sometimes clear inside 48 hours.
Is a multi-entry permit worth it?
For any operator running 4+ Mexico trips per year, yes. The setup cost is recovered quickly in eliminated per-trip lead time.
Can we land at Mexico City?
Possible but slot-constrained for non-scheduled traffic. Most business and charter operations route to Toluca (MMTO) or Felipe Ángeles (MMSM).
What insurance does Mexico require?
Limits vary by operation type and aircraft weight. Confirm current AFAC minimums and ensure your worldwide policy explicitly covers Mexico — a generic worldwide endorsement is sometimes rejected.
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