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Felipe Ángeles International Airport

Mexico City, Mexico

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MMSM

ICAO

7369 ft

Elevation

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Mexico City's newest international airport serving the northern region.

Opened

2022

Location

Zumpango, Mexico

Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU/MMSM) is a major commercial airport located in Zumpango, State of Mexico, approximately 50 kilometers north of Mexico City's historic center. It was built on the grounds of the former Santa Lucía Air Force Base and was inaugurated in March 2022 as part of a major infrastructure initiative under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The airport was conceived as an alternative to the heavily congested Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) and was intended to relieve air traffic pressure across the Mexico City metropolitan area. Despite significant government promotion, the airport faced slow passenger uptake in its early years of operation. Named after Felipe Ángeles, a general who served during the Mexican Revolution, the airport represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in Mexico's recent history. It operates alongside Benito Juárez and Toluca airports as part of a multi-airport system serving the greater Mexico City region.

Terminals

The airport features a single terminal building designed to handle both domestic and international passengers.

Getting to & from

Ground transport options include a dedicated bus service (Mexicobus) and shuttle connections linking the airport to Mexico City's metro and suburban rail network.

Airlines here

Airlines operating at NLU have included Aeromexico, VivaAerobus, and Volaris, though schedules and carriers have shifted since opening.

Notable facts

›Built on the site of the former Base Aérea Militar No. 1 (Santa Lucía Air Force Base).
›Located approximately 50 km north of Mexico City's historic center.
›Inaugurated on March 21, 2022, by President López Obrador.
›Named after Mexican Revolution general Felipe Ángeles.
›Designed with a capacity to handle tens of millions of passengers annually at full buildout.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

No route data available.

Stay, Eat & Explore: Mexico City

The palimpsest metropolis

•Zócalo & Templo Mayor — The great square atop the Aztec ceremonial center.
•Frida Kahlo Museum — The Blue House in Coyoacán — book ahead.
•Chapultepec Park & Castle — A forest twice Central Park's size, with a hilltop castle.
•Teotihuacan day trip — Climb the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
•Xochimilco — Painted trajinera boats on Aztec-era canals.

Getting around: The Metro is vast and 5 pesos; use app-cabs at night. Metrobús Line 4 serves the airport.

Full Mexico City guide → Places to stay Dining guide

Hotels near NLU

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Where

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City & Place Guide

A vast, vibrant megacity where ancient history meets modern culture.

Mexico City, known locally as CDMX, is one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world. Built atop the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, it layers thousands of years of history beneath a thriving contemporary metropolis of art, cuisine, and nightlife.

The city's diverse neighborhoods each offer a distinct character — from the grand colonial architecture of the Historic Center to the leafy, bohemian streets of Coyoacán and the sleek galleries of Polanco. World-class museums, bustling markets, and legendary street food make every corner worth exploring.

Despite its intimidating size, Mexico City rewards curious travelers with warmth and accessibility. Its altitude of 2,240 meters (7,350 ft) above sea level means visitors should pace themselves, especially in the first day or two.

•Zócalo & Metropolitan Cathedral — the grand heart of the historic colonial center.
•Templo Mayor — Aztec ruins excavated in the city center with an excellent on-site museum.
•Museo Nacional de Antropología — one of the world's great museums covering pre-Hispanic civilizations.
•Frida Kahlo Museum (La Casa Azul) — the iconic blue house and studio of Mexico's most famous artist.
•Xochimilco — ancient canal network where colorful trajinera boats carry visitors through floating gardens.
•Palacio de Bellas Artes — stunning Art Nouveau landmark housing murals by Rivera and Orozco.

Getting around: The Metro is cheap, extensive, and fast, covering most major attractions across 12 lines. The Metrobús bus rapid transit complements the rail network along key corridors. Ride-hailing apps Uber and DiDi are widely available, safe, and affordable. Licensed street taxis (Sitio taxis called from stands) are also reliable; avoid hailing unmarked cabs on the street.

Best time: Late spring (March–May) offers warm, dry, sunny days before the afternoon rains of the summer rainy season begin, making it the most comfortable time to visit.

Local food: Do not miss tacos al pastor from a street tlacoyo stand, hearty pozole soup, mole negro, tlayudas, and a morning breakfast of chilaquiles washed down with fresh-squeezed juice at a local mercado.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via NLU? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Mexico from official government sources.

Mexico visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →

Encyclopaedia

Felipe Ángeles International Airport, also known as Mexico City Felipe Ángeles International Airport or simply Mexico City-AIFA, is an international airport located in Zumpango, State of Mexico, 35 kilometres (22 mi) north of Mexico City. Originally named Santa Lucía Air Force Base, it opened for civilian use in 2022, serving as the third airport for Greater Mexico City, in addition to Mexico City International Airport and Toluca International Airport. The passenger terminal facilitates domestic and international flights, functioning as a focus city for Viva and Aeroméxico Connect as well as the main hub for the state-owned domestic airline Mexicana de Aviación. Apart from civilian operations, the airport accommodates the Mexican Air Force, general aviation, and charter flight services.

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