Flying private in Mexico has changed. In 2024–2025, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) introduced new rules that affect where you can land, how far in advance you must apply for permits, and the exact documents your aircraft must carry. This guide summarizes what’s new and how Jetstime keeps your trips compliant.
What Changed (Fast Overview)
- Airport access narrowed: AFAC limited general aviation and charter flights primarily to a defined list of public-use airports, reducing access to private-use strips nationwide.
- Longer lead times for permits: many charter missions now require about 10 business days of notice, and blanket/long-term approvals can take significantly longer.
- Exact-match insurance: policies must precisely match aircraft make/model/serial and registration/tail; some missions require a Mexico-issued policy endorsement.
- Single-entry authorizations for private ops: since 2024, the old annual/multiple-entry permits were discontinued—private (non-revenue) flights use single-entry authorizations.
- APIS remains mandatory: Mexico APIS data must be submitted for arrivals and departures, before wheels-up.
Airport Access: Where You Can Operate
AFAC has restricted most non-scheduled operations to public-use airports listed by the authority, which means many private-use airstrips are no longer available for foreign or domestic GA/charter missions. For travelers, this concentrates operations into major gateways (e.g., Toluca for Mexico City), with clear CIQ processes and business-aviation infrastructure. Ask Jetstime to confirm airport feasibility and parking/overnight hangarage for your dates.
Permits & Timelines: Plan Earlier
Private (non-revenue) flights: as of 2024, annual/multiple-entry permits were replaced by single-entry authorizations that cover your entry and onward movements within a defined validity window. Jetstime preps the package, monitors approvals and keeps the original document onboard as required.
Charter (non-scheduled) flights: expect longer lead times (commonly 10 business days) and additional paperwork depending on the airport/region. If your itinerary changes (passenger list, crew, domestic legs), your coordinator will re-validate compliance before you launch. For peak weeks and last-minute trips, we’ll propose alternates and transfers.
Insurance & Documentation: Zero-Tolerance for Typos
- Exact match: insurance must list the precise make/model/serial and registration that appear on the aircraft’s certificate. Any mismatch can delay or ground your flight.
- Mexico endorsement: certain missions and commanders may request a policy (or rider) issued by a licensed Mexican insurer. Your Jetstime coordinator will advise based on current practice.
- Carry originals: registration, airworthiness, radio license, insurance, crew docs, and any special authorizations should be onboard and ready for ramp checks.
APIS: Submit Before Departure
Mexico’s Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) is required for all private and charter arrivals and departures. Submission methods vary by operator; Jetstime handles the process and confirms receipt so your departure isn’t delayed. If passengers or crew change, we update APIS accordingly.
Cabotage & Registration: XA vs. XB (Why It Matters)
Mexican registration prefixes matter: XA generally denotes commercial air transport, XB private use, and XC government. Selling seats or chartering on an XB-registered aircraft is considered unauthorized commercial operation (“cabotaje”) and risks fines, cancellations, or detention. Jetstime uses properly licensed aircraft and vets partners to protect your itinerary. Learn about Mexico registrations.
What This Means for Travelers
- Book earlier: permit and parking constraints reward early planning—especially around holidays, F1, festivals and peak winter dates.
- Expect document checks: ramp inspections are active; tiny discrepancies (names, dates, policy numbers) can stop a departure.
- Budget for admin: extra filings and handling may add modest cost—but they keep your trip smooth and legal.
How Jetstime Keeps You Compliant
We prepare APIS, obtain permits, verify insurance language, and coordinate with local commanders ahead of your arrival. Our ops team tracks regulatory updates daily and adjusts flight plans, alternates and turn times as rules evolve. Charter with Jetstime or talk to our team to secure your next Mexico mission.
