The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) faced significant disruptions on the morning of March 20, 2025, as members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) organized blockades affecting access to both terminals. Their mobilizations were part of a planned 72-hour national strike that began on March 19, aimed at advocating for changes in education policy.
The closures lasted approximately seven hours, during which passengers were forced to walk or find alternative means to reach the airport, risking missing their flights. Affected areas included key access points such as Circuito Interior and Avenida Oceanía, with the former leading to Terminal 1 being particularly impacted.
According to an update from AICM, “Vialidades de accesos en ambas terminales” (access roads at both terminals have reopened) at 14:34 hours. However, the disruptions were felt early in the day, starting with protesters advancing on Circuito Interior, which was closed from Viaducto due to their presence.
The CNTE's protest operations, particularly by section 7 teachers from Oaxaca, were primarily focused on demanding the repeal of the ISSSTE Law of 2007, the cancellation of the 2025 reform initiative, and the elimination of pensions being paid through UMAs. These demands reflect ongoing tensions between the teachers' union and government policies concerning education and labor.
“Los manifestantes avanzan sobre Circuito Interior al Norte rumbo a la Terminal 1 del AICM.” In English, this translates to, “The protesters advanced on Circuito Interior heading North towards Terminal 1 of the AICM.” This statement captures the determined movement of the protesters as they made their way to the airport area, causing significant traffic blockades in the process.
Emergency services played a crucial role during the protest, aiding citizens who needed transport solutions. Reports confirmed that, for many that day, especially those attempting to travel to the airport, finding alternative routes was necessary, as main roads were clogged with demonstrators.
Several alternative routes were recommended by the AICM to facilitate access to the airport, directing travelers to opt for avenues such as Avenida Oceanía via various public transit connections, including the Metro and Metrobús services. However, transit operations were also impacted; the Metrobús Line 4 was functioning at a limited capacity, only operating between Hidalgo and Archivo de la Nación, providing little solace to those affected.
As for the other side of the protest, the CNTE’s grievances are rooted in broader issues of labor rights and educational reforms that have been contentious within Mexican society for years. These protests highlight not only the immediate disruptions but also the larger ongoing struggle between educational policies and workers' rights.
While these protests created chaos for air travelers, they also serve as a reminder of the significant role that education workers play in labor negotiations in Mexico. As they escalate their criticisms of the government, the CNTE continues to push against what they argue are detrimental policies affecting their livelihood and the value of education in the country.
Efforts to manage the flow of traffic and assist stranded passengers fell on the shoulders of city officials and services. Many people took to social media to comment on their experiences, illustrating just how disruptive the protests had been. Hashtags related to the blockades and the protests trended as many shared their struggles in attempting to travel during this chaotic period.
The AICM’s announcements and updates were essential for travelers who needed timely information to navigate this unprecedented situation. Passengers were encouraged to contact airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights, an action many took amid evolving circumstances.
Despite the reopening of the access roads, the protests continued to underscore the tensions surrounding the educational policy in Mexico, compelling many to reflect on the long-term implications for both the teaching profession and the education sector as a whole.
Protests like these are not new in Mexico, with education unions being at the forefront during times of perceived government injustices or failures to uphold labor rights. The CNTE's latest actions appear to be rooted not only in specific demands but also in a cultural history of resistance against policies viewed as harmful to educators and students alike.
As the day unfolded and the remobilization situations arose, more protests were expected across various parts of the city, with the government's response to these grievances remaining to be seen. CNTE has indicated that if their demands are not met, escalations in protests and more sustained actions could be forthcoming.
In the wake of this situation, it remains crucial for all parties involved – the government, union leaders, and the public – to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at addressing these significant labor and educational issues, ideally finding resolutions that respect the rights of workers while addressing the educational needs of the youth.
