Universal Aviation Mexico has confirmed with AFAC, Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority,that single-entry landing permits are no longer available, meaning all charter operators must now hold a validated Blanket Permit to operate in Mexican airspace.

This shift represents a substantial tightening of oversight, and operators who aren’t prepared risk flight denials, delays, or penalties.

What’s Changed

Going forward, charter flights to and from Mexico require an indefinite Blanket Permit validated by AFAC and supported by a current Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Without this documentation in place, flights won’t be cleared to operate.

What Operators Need to Know

• Every flight faces AFAC review — Each trip will be evaluated individually, with AFAC checking operator credentials, aircraft details, and crew documentation before granting approval.
• Aircraft must be pre-listed — Only aircraft already included on your Blanket Permit are eligible for entry. Unlisted aircraft will be denied.
• Ground-level documentation checks — Local Comandancia authorities will verify aircraft documents, insurance, and crew records before approving operations.
• Pending updates may not ground you — Operators can continue using aircraft already covered under a valid Blanket Permit, even if updates are in process. However, new aircraft not yet listed cannot operate.
• One-time approvals under consideration — AFAC is evaluating whether temporary approvals may be granted for aircraft being added to a Blanket Permit or AOC, but nothing is confirmed yet.
• Stricter enforcement ahead — Expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for cabotage violations or operations conducted without proper permits.

What to Do Now

Don’t wait for official AFAC guidance to act. Operators should:

• Review your current Blanket Permit status immediately
• Confirm your AOC validation is current
• Verify all aircraft and crew documentation are up to date
• Avoid scheduling Mexico flights until compliance is confirmed

Failure to meet these requirements could result in denied flights, operational delays, or regulatory penalties at a time when Mexico remains a critical market for business aviation.

How Universal Can Help

Our Global Regulatory Services team is monitoring this situation closely and maintaining direct communication with AFAC. If you have questions about your Blanket Permit status or need assistance ensuring compliance, contact us before your next Mexico flight. We’ll continue sharing updates as soon as official AFAC guidance is released.