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Gen Mariano Escobedo Airport

About the Airport

Gen Mariano Escobedo Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

General Mariano Escobedo Airport is not merely a transit hub, but the true aerial gateway to the industrial heart of Mexico. Located surrounded by majestic mountains, it immediately sets travellers to the business rhythm of the country's northern capital. This modern aviation hub harmoniously combines the dynamics of business travel with the comfort required by tourists setting off to explore the natural beauty of the state of Nuevo León.

IATA Code MTY
ICAO Code MMMY
City Monterrey
Distance to centre ~24 km
Status International
Passengers per year ~13.3 million
Schedule Available on the official website

Airport Features and Advantages

Monterrey Airport is considered one of the busiest and most technologically advanced in Mexico, playing a key role in the region's economy. It is designed to handle a high flow of passengers while maintaining ease of navigation.

One of the main features is the separation into three terminals (A, B, and C), each with its own specialisation. Terminal A serves the majority of major airlines, Terminal B stands out with its ultra-modern design and accepts SkyTeam alliance flights, while Terminal C operates as a base for low-cost carriers. For the convenience of passengers, a free shuttle runs between the terminals.

Travellers often note the high level of service in business lounges, such as the OMA Premium Lounge and Centurion Lounge, which is particularly appreciated by business people. Additionally, the airport offers excellent transport accessibility: a wide selection of car rental agencies and official taxis is available here, allowing for quick access to the business centre or mountain resorts.

Contact Information

Below you will find contact information to help you navigate Monterrey Airport and resolve any potential queries.

  • Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the airport's official portal, which is part of the OMA group: www.oma.aero/es/aeropuertos/monterrey/
  • Information Desk Phone: For consultations, you may call the main airport number: +52 (81) 8288 7700.
  • Airport Address: Carretera Miguel Alemán km 24, C.P. 66600, Apodaca, Nuevo León, México.
  • Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the airport's official website.
  • Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on networks such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
  • Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost personal items within the terminal, please contact the Lost and Found office (Oficina de Objetos Olvidados). For issues regarding lost or damaged checked baggage, you should contact your airline's representative directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, you can contact the information desk by phone. To resolve problems related to tickets, flights, or check-in, it is necessary to contact your airline.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) from the centre of Monterrey or vice versa can be done in several ways, each having its own advantages. The airport is located approximately a 30-40 minute drive from the city, but travel time may vary depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

The most economical option is public transport. Specialised shuttle buses, for example, from the company Noreste or Viva aerobus, regularly run between the airport and the city's central bus station (Central de Autobuses). The bus journey will take about 50-60 minutes, but it is an excellent way to save money. It is important to note that there is currently no direct metro or train connection to the airport, so the bus is the only public transport running directly.

For those who value comfort and speed, the best choice would be a taxi or transfer. In the airport terminals, there are counters for official taxi services where you can pay for a trip at a fixed rate to your destination — this is a reliable and safe method. Popular ride-hailing services such as Uber and DiDi also operate in Monterrey. A car journey to the city centre usually takes 30-40 minutes, but the cost will be significantly higher than by bus.

If you plan to move around the state of Nuevo León actively and explore the surroundings, it is worth considering car rental. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are represented at the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season, to guarantee the availability of the desired vehicle class. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, short-term and long-term parking services are provided, located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals.

Terminals and Map

General Mariano Escobedo Airport (MTY) in Monterrey features three terminals: A, B, and C. Each of them specialises in certain types of flights and airlines, so before flying, be sure to check which one is indicated on your ticket. Orienting yourself on-site is not difficult: clear signs in Spanish and English are installed throughout the airport.

Terminal A is the largest and oldest in the complex. It serves the majority of international destinations and a portion of domestic flights operated by major legacy airlines. Structurally, the terminal is divided into two wings — the North Concourse and the South Concourse, where the boarding gates are located. The bulk of shops, restaurants, and business lounges are concentrated here.

Terminal B is a more modern and compact building. It is used primarily by the airline Aeroméxico and its partners in the SkyTeam alliance. The terminal is distinguished by a thoughtful layout, comfortable waiting areas, and a good selection of catering establishments. Terminals A and B are within walking distance of each other.

Terminal C is located separately from the other two and is entirely dedicated to serving budget airlines (low-cost carriers), such as Viva Aerobus. Its design is maximally functional and aimed at speeding up passenger boarding and disembarking procedures. Between Terminal C and the main part of the airport (Terminals A/B), a free shuttle bus operates. The trip takes about 10–15 minutes, which is important to consider when planning transfers.

Check-in and security procedures are generally organised efficiently. The standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport no less than 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. During peak hours, especially in Terminal C, queues can be longer. To avoid confusion and haste, always check your terminal on the airline's website in advance and follow the signs on-site.

Airport History

The history of Monterrey International Airport (MTY) is closely linked to the transformation of the city into one of the most important industrial and business centres of Mexico. The airport was officially opened in 1952 and initially represented a modest airfield serving domestic flights. It received its name in honour of General Mariano Escobedo — a national hero and prominent military figure of the 19th century, who was a native of the state of Nuevo León.

As the economic significance of Monterrey grew, so did the need for a more modern and larger airport. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, it was expanded repeatedly, but the real transformation began in the 2000s. One of the key moments in its history was the transfer of management to the operator OMA (Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte), which launched a process of large-scale modernisation.

A landmark stage of development was the construction and opening of several terminals, each with its own specialisation. Terminal A took on the main load of serving international and traditional domestic flights. In 2003, the modern Terminal B was opened, intended mainly for SkyTeam alliance airlines. And in 2007, Terminal C began operations, becoming a base for the country's leading low-cost carriers. Such a separation of flows allowed for a significant increase in efficiency and comfort for passengers.

Today, General Mariano Escobedo Airport consistently ranks among the top five busiest in Mexico in terms of both passenger and cargo traffic. It is an important hub for several airlines and continues to develop, offering flights to dozens of destinations in North and South America, making it a key transport node for the entire northern region of the country.

Services and Amenities

General Mariano Escobedo Airport in Monterrey is a modern and well-organised complex offering passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. Regardless of whether you are flying for business or on holiday to Mexico, here you will find a wide range of services that will make your journey easier and more pleasant.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, a large selection of establishments is presented in the airport terminals. You will find both restaurants offering dishes of local and international cuisine, as well as popular fast-food chains and cosy coffee shops. Duty Free shops will delight you with an assortment of perfumes, beverages, and confectionery, while in numerous souvenir stalls, you can purchase gifts and goods with Mexican flair.

Staying connected will not be difficult: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport territory, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you not to worry about the battery level of your smartphone or laptop. For a more comfortable wait, VIP halls and business lounges are provided, access to which is open to premium class passengers or for a separate fee. Here you can rest in silence, work, and utilise additional services.

It is also easy to resolve financial matters at Monterrey Airport. At your service are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange bureaux, where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, first aid stations operate within the terminals, ready to assist if necessary.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. For passengers with children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where one can take care of a baby in a calm environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, including accompaniment and special amenities such as ramps, lifts, and equipped washrooms.

For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres may be available, allowing for meetings or work whilst waiting for a flight. If you need a proper rest, several hotels are located directly on the airport territory and in its immediate vicinity. This is an ideal option for those with an early departure, late arrival, or a long layover between flights.

Where to Eat

At General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) in Monterrey, passengers will find diverse options for a snack or a full meal located in all terminals. Regardless of whether you are rushing to a flight or have time to relax, there is an establishment here for every taste and budget.

The majority of restaurants and cafes are concentrated in Terminal A, serving most international and national flights. Both in the public area (before security) and in the departure zone (after security), you will find popular coffee shops, such as Starbucks, and fast-food restaurants like Carl's Jr. and Subway. For a more substantial meal, you can choose one of the restaurants offering American and Mexican cuisine, where you can dine calmly whilst waiting for departure.

In Terminal B, which is mainly used by the airline Aeroméxico, and in Terminal C (for low-cost carriers), the selection is somewhat more modest but fully satisfies the basic needs of travellers. "Grab-and-go" coffee formats, sandwich bars, and small cafes dominate here, ideally suited for a quick snack. There are also Oxxo stores where you can buy drinks and light refreshments.

Particular attention should be paid to establishments with local cuisine. Do not miss the chance to try authentic Mexican dishes, such as tacos, chilaquiles, or quesadillas, in one of the airport restaurants. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the authentic flavours of the region before flying home. Prices vary from budget-friendly in fast-food outlets to mid-range in full-service restaurants.

Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the departure of the last evening flights. Some coffee shops and stores in the busiest zones may operate around the clock. For passengers with special dietary needs, for example, vegetarians, the menus of many cafes include salads, smoothies, and vegetable sandwiches. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff to find gluten-free or other suitable options.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Monterrey Airport goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few points. It is recommended to arrive for international flights 3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — at least 2 hours. This will give you sufficient time in case of queues, especially during peak hours. completing online check-in in advance will help save time, but remember that you will still need to approach the airline counter to drop off luggage.

Passing through security control in airports in Mexico is standard, but be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage in advance. Liquids are permitted in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Always check the current hand luggage and baggage rules of your airline to avoid unpleasant surprises. Regarding seat selection, if you are flying during the day, choose a window seat — on the approach to Monterrey, impressive views of the mountains open up.

If you have a transfer in Monterrey, especially from an international flight to a domestic one, take note of an important feature. You will need to pass passport control, collect your luggage, pass through customs with it, and then re-check it for the next flight. Customs control here often works on a "traffic light" system: a green light allows you to pass without inspection, while a red one obliges you to present luggage for checking. Allocate no less than 1.5-2 hours for these procedures.

To save money, research airport transfer options in advance. Official taxis are a reliable but not the cheapest option. You can compare prices with ride-sharing services, which have special waiting zones. Also, do not forget that prices for food and water in the airport are higher, so you can take an empty bottle with you and fill it with water after passing security, as well as keeping some light snacks with you.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact a representative of your airline to find out about your rights to compensation, provision of meals, or a hotel. The airport itself has Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops that will help pass the time. It is also recommended to arrange travel insurance in advance that covers cases of flight delay or cancellation.

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