Guanajuato Airport Secures MX$2.88B for Major 4-Year Modernization

Guanajuato International Airport (BJX), also known as Bajío International Airport, is set to undergo a comprehensive modernization project backed by a 2.88 billion Mexican Peso (MXN) investment. The project, led by airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), will unfold over four years, from 2025 to 2029. This development aims to significantly enhance the airport's operational capacity and passenger experience to accommodate rapidly growing demand in Mexico's Bajío region.

The investment is a key component of GAP's approved Master Development Plan for 2025-2029, which outlines capital expenditures for the 12 airports it operates under a 50-year concession from Mexico's Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT). The expansion is a direct response to record passenger traffic, which surpassed 3 million passengers in both 2023 and 2025, positioning BJX among Mexico's top ten busiest airports.

Project Scope and Details

The modernization plan includes substantial upgrades to nearly every aspect of the airport's infrastructure. According to data released by GAP, the terminal building will be expanded by over 23%. To handle increased flight operations, the aircraft apron will see a 58% expansion, and three new boarding gates will be added, bringing the total to nine.

Inside the terminal, passenger processing and comfort are central to the upgrades. The baggage claim area will be enlarged by 49% and will feature two new baggage carousels. The final waiting room area is slated for a 150% expansion to reduce congestion. Furthermore, the project includes the installation of five autonomous immigration checkpoints to streamline international arrivals.

Guanajuato Governor Libia Dennise García described the project as the “most important modernization phase of the last two decades,” stating it “will strengthen the airport's operational capacity, improve passenger experience and consolidate Guanajuato's connectivity with Mexico and the world.”

Paola Olivo Moreno, the airport administrator for GAP, added, “At Guanajuato Airport, we have decided to anticipate current and future growth with an investment of this magnitude, which will allow us to meet demand. Our goal is to offer the best passenger experience.”

Passenger Growth and Regional Context

The need for this expansion is underscored by recent traffic figures. From January to August 2025, BJX handled 2.2 million passengers, representing a 6.7% year-over-year increase, according to GAP reports. The airport currently serves 21 destinations, including 10 domestic and 11 international routes, making it a critical gateway for business and tourism in the region.

This project aligns with a broader national trend of increased investment in Mexican airport infrastructure. GAP itself is investing over MX$52 billion across its portfolio between 2025 and 2029. The investment at BJX is designed to ensure the airport can support the continued economic development of the Bajío region, a major manufacturing and industrial hub. More information can be found on the Guanajuato International Airport official page.

The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2029, providing a significantly enhanced facility capable of handling projected increases in passenger and cargo traffic for the next decade. The project will be monitored by Mexico's Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) to ensure compliance with national aviation standards.

Why This Matters

In my view, this is more than a simple capacity upgrade; it's a strategic investment solidifying the Bajío region's economic importance. By proactively expanding well ahead of a breaking point, GAP is positioning BJX to compete for new international routes that might otherwise default to larger hubs like Mexico City or Guadalajara. For aviation professionals, this signals strong confidence in the sustained growth of Mexico's regional aviation markets and highlights a successful public-private partnership model for infrastructure development.

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