While the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers won’t begin game planning for their game in Mexico City on Nov. 18, 2019 for another week, business aviation operators attending the game should begin developing their strategy now.

1. The game

The game will be played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Monday, Nov. 18 at 8:15 p.m. EST and is expected to draw more than 77,000 fans. You can read more details on this year’s game here.

2. Preferred airport – Toluca

The closest airport is not always the best. And that’s the case for operators attending the game. Mexico City (MMMX) is the nearest to Stadium Azteca, but most GA operators won’t be able to use it. Toluca (MMTO) meanwhile is an available 24-hour airport of entry option with several FBOs used to supporting business aviation. Depending on where you’ll be staying and traffic, count on about a 1-hour drive to Mexico City (and longer during rush hour) from the airport. Alternate airports, due to their distance from Mexico City, are usually not the best option.

3. Parking options

As full as Azteca Stadium will be with spectators, MMTO will be the same with GA aircraft. Parking is at a premium and not all FBOs and hangars are the same. Due to space restrictions, overnight hangar parking may not be available, and if it is, be sure to ask your ground handler their safety procedures, as because of the limitations, aircraft may be parked on top of each other. For more information and to secure hangarage for your aircraft, Universal Aviation Mexico can help.

4. Fuel uplifts and current jet fuel prices

You have two fueling options at MMTO: ASA or from your FBO’s fuel truck. We recommend using your FBO, as ASA’s priority is commercial operations, so delays of 40-90 minutes for GA uplifts are not unusual. Fueling with an FBO is usually more efficient, but be sure to make uplift arrangements in advance to ensure credit is in place. The official fuel price is published by ASA every Tuesday and the first day of the month. Note: The exchange rate of Mexican peso fluctuates daily affecting the final price in USD.

5. Security

Airport security at MMTO is good, with support from military, federal police and airport guard services, rendering additional private security for your aircraft unnecessary. Within Mexico City, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid well-known higher risk areas, particularly at night, and only use pre-vetted transportation.

6. Local transport

Using un-vetted taxis and ground transport is discouraged. The safest and most efficient option for navigating Mexico City’s congested traffic is via pre-paid (car with driver) ground transport. Because this is the best option, availability is usually limited during high-traffic events, so it’s best to book early.

7. Special Considerations

For more detailed information on operating to Toluca, including: slots, PPRs, visas, permits cabotage, SENEAM and customs, see our other blog articles on operating to Mexico.