Aguascalientes International Airport — Aguascalientes, Mexico

Aguascalientes takes its name, meaning 'hot waters,' from the thermal springs found throughout this central Mexican city and state, a geological feature tied to the volcanic activity that shaped the surrounding highlands. The airport serving the state capital climbs to a substantial 6,112 feet, part of the elevated plateau typical of Mexico's central Bajío region, and its one runway handles domestic connections to Mexico City plus a smaller number of US routes tied to the area's manufacturing sector. Aguascalientes has developed into a significant automotive and aerospace manufacturing center in recent decades, drawing investment from international companies and generating business travel that supplements the airport's passenger base. The city is also known for its annual San Marcos Fair, one of Mexico's largest and longest-running regional festivals, which brings a seasonal spike in both domestic and some international visitors each spring. The high elevation here means aircraft performance calculations must account for thinner air, similar to considerations at other high-altitude Mexican airports. For a mid-sized state capital, Aguascalientes punches above its weight in industrial air cargo relative to passenger traffic, a reflection of the manufacturing base built up around the city.