Admiral Padilla's leadership of the Grupo Aeroportuario Marina (GAM) is causing severe operational failures at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) as the FIFA World Cup approaches, according to elfinanciero.com.mx.
A lack of technical expertise in civil aviation has resulted in disorganized signage throughout the terminals, erasing the long-standing distinction between the green coding for Terminal 1 and the blue for Terminal 2. The report notes that the current state of AICM "looks like a UNAM campus" due to a lack of operational security standards.
Recent renovations have taken the Alpha 1 and Delta security checkpoints in Terminal 1 out of service, forcing passengers to endure long walks without access to ground-floor waiting areas. This situation has caused widespread frustration among travelers, who must navigate long distances regardless of mobility issues or whether they are traveling with children.
Security Risks and Administrative Disorder
The administration has been involved in legal and security blunders, such as using images of the FIFA World Cup trophy in murals, which forced the removal of the artwork to avoid potential trademark infringement. Additionally, the report details that the TSA has closed new checkpoints in Terminal 2 for failing to meet international security requirements.
The militarization of staff has created direct risks for civilian employees. On February 22, 2026, orders were issued to avoid wearing Grupo Aeroportuario Marina uniforms to prevent staff from becoming targets for organized crime following the capture of 'El Mencho.'
The hiring process under this new model also shows signs of irregularity. Padilla established a "Recruitment Committee" composed of close associates to hire 130 people under fee-based contracts, using AICM's own budget. The report highlights that the salaries for these new positions within GAM are exorbitant, comparable to those of the airport's operations directors.
This lack of expertise has led to the departure of key figures, such as Dr. Luis Antonio Aragón, a specialist in the operational control center. According to elfinanciero.com.mx, replacing him with personnel lacking technical experience jeopardizes the safety of the approximately 850 daily flights operating out of the airport.
