Mexico Halts Pilot and Crew Licenses Amid Plastic Shortage
Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has temporarily suspended the issuance and renewal of licenses for pilots, flight attendants, and aeronautical technicians due to a nationwide shortage of plastic materials used to print official credentials. The disruption, which coincides with the peak end-of-year travel season, has sparked growing concern across Mexico’s aviation industry, affecting thousands of aviation professionals and airline operations.
According to industry sources, the shortage has created significant delays—some lasting up to nine months—leaving aviation personnel without valid credentials to work or train. “This directly affects pilots, technicians, and controllers, as well as their certifications with airlines and training centers,” a commercial pilot told Reforma, adding that the uncertainty has disrupted flight schedules and employment timelines.
The crisis has been exacerbated by administrative disarray within AFAC following a leadership change on October 1, when General Emilio Avendaño replaced former director Miguel Vallín, who was removed amid unresolved corruption allegations. Despite Avendaño’s appointment, the agency has yet to resolve the plastic card supply issue or allocate funds to suppliers. “The lack of communication and bureaucratic gridlock has worsened the situation,” said one source familiar with the matter.
Analysts warn that the suspension could trigger a chain reaction across Mexico’s aviation ecosystem. Flight schools are unable to certify new graduates, airlines have crews awaiting renewals, and maintenance engineers and air traffic controllers are stuck on the ground pending valid credentials. The freeze comes as Mexico’s aviation industry faces rising passenger demand, technical workforce shortages, and continued recovery pressures following the pandemic.
Between January and August 2025, AFAC processed 19,510 license applications, trained 6,637 pilots, and conducted over 37,000 medical evaluations, according to official data. However, no updates have been provided since the suspension began, fueling frustration among aviation unions and training institutions calling for transparency and emergency measures.
The licensing halt also poses risks to Mexico’s regulatory credibility. After regaining its FAA Category 1 safety rating in 2023, the country is eager to maintain international confidence. But prolonged bureaucratic paralysis could threaten that progress, especially if airline operations face prolonged staffing shortages.
For now, Mexico’s aviation workforce remains grounded—fully trained and certified, yet unable to work due to something as basic as a shortage of plastic cards. Until AFAC restores materials and resumes printing, uncertainty and economic strain will continue to weigh on the nation’s aviation sector.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=NTSB, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, mexicobusiness.news