A new airport creates controversy in Mexico

Americas Now

The construction of a new airport in Mexico City could benefit the economy–but, the undertaking has fierce opposition.

Mexico’s outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto is building what he claims will be the world’s most sustainable airport on the outskirts of Mexico City. He hopes to inaugurate the first stage in 2020. The second stage is projected for 2070. However in the run-up to the country’s elections, his legacy project has become a much-debated political hot potato for the problems it poses to local landowners and the entire region.

The pros and cons of the new airport are being played on in campaign speeches by presidential candidates. One candidate has threatened to cancel the construction if he is elected, or at least stop public funds being spent on it.

Correspondent Lara Rodriguez reports.