U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a direct warning to European governments: do not impose unilateral restrictions on transatlantic flights. The official stated that Washington is prepared to enforce existing international agreements, a stance recently reflected in measures taken against Mexico for similar reasons.
Washington Takes a Stand in the Aviation Sector
“We are seeing more airports trying to restrict air traffic, which is contrary to the agreements we have with them,” Duffy told Reuters from Montreal, where he is attending an international aviation meeting. The Secretary specifically mentioned Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Dublin airports.
The official emphasized that keeping flights open is vital for trade, business, and international mobility. He also questioned the validity of the noise data being used as an argument to justify operational cuts.
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Precedent with Mexico
In July, Duffy ordered Mexican airlines to submit their flight schedules to the United States, with the possibility of rejecting operating requests if the government did not address Washington’s concerns. Earlier this month, he also instructed Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind their joint alliance by January 1.
“The case of Mexico is a signal that we will not accept that type of measure,” Duffy stated. Although he stressed that, for now, the administration is not at a point where it needs to exert pressure on Europe, he made it clear that recent actions serve as a warning.
Duffy recalled that the requirement for Mexico to submit itineraries reflects Washington’s willingness to take additional measures if open skies agreements are not upheld. Regarding Delta’s criticism of the end of the alliance with Aeromexico, he said he understands the airline’s position but asserted that in the long run, it will appreciate the U.S. administration defending international agreements in all markets.
Europe in the Crosshairs: Amsterdam, Dublin, and Lisbon
U.S. airlines have expressed concern about initiatives at several European airports:
- Amsterdam Schiphol: Faces flight limits to reduce noise pollution, after a court ordered the government to implement stricter noise abatement measures.
- Dublin: The airport has a passenger cap suspended pending the resolution of a legal challenge.
- Lisbon: JetBlue Airways reported access difficulties to the U.S. Department of Transportation and warned it might resort to legal action to defend its market share.
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