Air Traffic Interruptions at Mérida Airport Caused by Flooding in Mexico City
In a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change, Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport faced a significant disruption in August 2025 due to extreme weather. The incident, marked by heavy rainfall and flooding, highlighted the multifaceted challenges airports face during such events.
The flooding led to a partial or complete halt of flight operations, with runways and terminals submerged under water. This situation, caused by record rains, forced the suspension of at least 100 flights and the cancellation of another 90, while more than 70 flights were diverted to other destinations[1][3]. The disruption affected approximately 15,000 passengers, with many stranded or facing long delays[1][5].
The overwhelmed drainage systems, incapable of handling the unusually heavy rainfall, failed under more than 84 mm of rain in a few hours[1]. Ground access issues, such as flooded roads, also hampered transport to and from the airport, disrupting bus and car traffic and complicating emergency response[1][2].
In response, emergency plans and response efforts were activated, including Mexico City’s “Plan Tlaloque” purple alert, deploying vacuum trucks, pumps, and emergency teams to clear water from runways and terminals[1][4]. However, the operational disruptions extended beyond the initial floodwater receding, with partial runway reopenings happening hours apart and ongoing delays and reroutings continuing for several days[1][5].
The incident also affected flights scheduled to connect through or arrive in Mexico City, which were either canceled or rerouted to alternate destinations such as Cancún, Guadalajara, and Dallas-Fort Worth[1]. Airline companies advised travelers to stay in close contact for updates, as operations gradually resumed overnight.
Severe weather in Mexico City on August 10, 2025, also caused widespread disruptions at Mérida International Airport, resulting in cascading delays and cancellations[1]. Volaris flights from Mérida to Oaxaca and Houston have resumed, and American Airlines will restore flights between Mérida and Miami.
Cleanup efforts in Mexico City continued into Monday, August 11, with federal support pledged to assist affected areas. This incident underscores the vulnerability of air travel to extreme weather events and the importance of contingency planning for both airports and passengers.
[1] Source: [Link to the report] [2] Source: [Link to the report] [3] Source: [Link to the report] [4] Source: [Link to the report] [5] Source: [Link to the report]
- The flooding at Mexico City's airport, due to climate change-induced extreme weather, disrupted environmental-science studies, as many scientific researchers working on weather-forecasting were delayed or stranded.
- The incident underlined the significance of lifestyle adjustments in the face of climate change-induced weather changes, with travelers experiencing extended delays and disruptions, affecting their overall travel plans and routines.
- As a result of the airport's weather disruption and the subsequent impact on travel, businesses in the environmental-science, tourism, and hospitality sectors might experience economic losses, highlighting the far-reaching effects of climate change on various sectors of the economy.
