A sign showing the articles prohibited to carry on any luggage at the Cancun International Airport, controlled by Aeropuertos del Sureste ASUR, in Cancun, Mexico June 14, 2024.
The transaction, which still requires antitrust approval, includes Motiva’s holdings in 17 airports in Brazil, as well as international hubs in Quito, Ecuador; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Curacao. Earlier this month, Reuters reported that ASUR had emerged as the leading bidder for Motiva’s airport assets.
ASUR, which currently operates airports in Mexico, Colombia, and Puerto Rico, stated that the acquisition will increase its passenger volume by more than 45 million annually, bringing its total to 71 million based on 2024 figures. The company said in a statement: “The acquisition represents a stepping stone in ASUR’s expansion strategy in the region, adding four new markets in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Latin America’s largest aviation market by passengers, Brazil.”
For Motiva, the sale aligns with its strategy to focus on core business areas. The firm expects its net debt leverage to decrease to under three times from 3.5 times after completing the deal. Motiva Chief Executive Miguel Setas said: “As we move forward with recycling our capital and simplifying our portfolio, we expand our investment capacity in strategic segments for our company, especially highways and rail.”
The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026, ASUR added. Once finalized, the acquisition will strengthen ASUR’s position as a major airport operator in Latin America and the Caribbean, expanding its reach to Brazil, one of the region’s largest aviation markets.
The purchase demonstrates ASUR’s commitment to regional growth through strategic acquisitions, while Motiva can redirect resources to infrastructure projects aligned with its long-term focus. Both companies highlighted that the transaction is designed to create operational synergies, support passenger growth, and optimize capital allocation for future investments.
ASUR said the addition of Motiva’s airports will not only increase passenger traffic but also enhance the company’s portfolio diversification across several countries and major urban centers. The firm’s management emphasized that integrating the new airports is expected to strengthen operational efficiency and provide greater service options to travelers.
Once the regulatory approvals are obtained and the deal is completed, ASUR will operate a significantly larger network of airports in Latin America, solidifying its position as a leading regional aviation operator while providing Motiva with additional capacity to invest in highways, rail, and other core infrastructure projects.
