Strixsten

MEXICANA DE AVIACIÓN DENIES OPERATING AN UNAUTHORIZED AIRCRAFT – MEXICO'S AFAC RESPONDS TO CERTIFICATION ALLEGATIONS Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) issued a clarification on November 3, 2026, rejecting reports that state-owned airline Mexicana de Aviación had operated an aircraft without the required certifications and authorizations. The statement followed media allegations that an aircraft had been used to transport passengers without the necessary operating approvals. According to AFAC, Mexicana's aircraft are duly certified and hold the authorizations required to operate under current aviation regulations. The agency also confirmed that operational safety inspectors had conducted the relevant technical and documentary reviews, verifying that the aircraft met the requirements for passenger air transport. What triggered the controversy? The controversy followed an incident on October 22, when Mexicana flight MXA1291, operating from Hermosillo to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), declared an emergency because of smoke in the cabin and diverted to Del Bajío International Airport. Following the diversion, another aircraft was reportedly arranged to transport stranded passengers to their destination. A report by El Financiero alleged that the replacement aircraft initially lacked the necessary authorizations for passenger operations and was issued provisional airworthiness documentation and a provisional registration to facilitate the flight. AFAC's response AFAC maintained that Mexicana's aircraft were properly certified and authorized for operation, and that its inspectors had completed the required technical and documentary checks. However, the agency's public clarification did not identify the specific replacement aircraft or publish its individual certification documents. Therefore, the precise circumstances surrounding the provisional documentation remain an important part of the controversy. #MexicanaDeAviación #AFAC #MexicoAviation #AviationNews #AviationSafety #AirlineRegulations #FlightSafety