The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced potential retaliatory measures against Mexico due to recent aviation policy changes that affect U.S. airlines. These actions include the reduction of flight slots and the forced relocation of cargo operations from Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport to the distant Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA). The DOT claims these actions violate a bilateral air agreement and disadvantage U.S. carriers, citing increased costs and disrupted operations.
If Mexico does not address these concerns, the U.S. may disapprove future Mexican flight requests and could withdraw antitrust immunity granted to the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. Delta argues such a move would harm consumer options and competition. Aeromexico plans to issue a joint response with Delta. The DOT is also requiring Mexican airlines to submit flight schedules and seek U.S. approval for major charter operations.
Mexico, hosting the 2026 World Cup, is racing to renovate MEX airport to handle increased traffic. Meanwhile, AIFA is reportedly already at full capacity for cargo and lacks the infrastructure needed for large-scale passenger operations. The U.S. is also considering action against European countries over similar airport limitations.
The Trump administration has imposed new restrictions on Mexican flights and threatened to dismantle the longstanding partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico in response to Mexico’s aviation policies. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the Mexican government’s decision to force airlines out of Mexico City’s main airport (Benito Juarez International) to the more distant Felipe Angeles International Airport, arguing it violates a bilateral trade agreement and unfairly favors domestic carriers. In retaliation, all Mexican airlines must now seek U.S. approval for their flight schedules.
This development adds tension to ongoing trade disputes between the two countries. Delta and Aeromexico, whose alliance dates back to 2016, have warned that dissolving their agreement could jeopardize 24 air routes and lead to a loss of $800 million in economic benefits. The directive to terminate the alliance is not set to take effect until October, giving the airlines time to contest it. Observers worry that restricting direct routes would reduce tourism, with an estimated 230,000 fewer travelers, and harm both economies. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has not commented publicly on the issue.
The U.S. Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, announced potential actions against Mexico in response to the Mexican government’s rescission of flight slots for U.S. carriers and the forced relocation of cargo operations from Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport. The U.S. contends these moves violate a bilateral air agreement dating back to 2022 and have disrupted the air transport market, imposing significant financial burdens on American businesses. The department is considering revoking antitrust immunity for the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture and requiring Mexican airlines to obtain prior approval for charter flights and file detailed schedules for operations in the U.S. by July 29. Delta warned that such actions could negatively impact consumers, U.S. jobs, and competition. The U.S. also criticized delayed infrastructure improvements promised by Mexico to alleviate airport congestion. Additionally, the department is monitoring European nations for similar restrictions on airport operations related to noise abatement.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a series of actions against Mexico due to the Mexican government’s decisions to rescind some flight slots for U.S. carriers and force U.S. cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that if Mexico does not address U.S. concerns over decisions made in 2022 and 2023, the department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico and possibly revoke antitrust immunity for the Delta-Aeromexico partnership. The department is also requiring Mexican airlines to file detailed schedules and seek prior approval for large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights to or from the United States. Mexico is the most popular international destination among U.S. airline travelers.
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