The Government of Mexico and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) have reached preliminary agreements aimed at resolving the bilateral aviation dispute that has limited the expansion of Mexican airlines. This breakthrough is contingent upon a series of technical reforms in airport management and the recognition of Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) as a key component of transborder connectivity.
Path Toward Normalization: Slots and Technical Capacity
The core of the agreement stipulates that Mexico must conduct a technical capacity study at Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The primary objective is to guarantee equitable and transparent access to slots (takeoff and landing brackets) for U.S. carriers, aligning local policies with international standards.
This dispute originally escalated following two unilateral decisions by the Mexican government:
- The reduction of operations at AICM, which dropped from 61 to 43 flights per hour.
- The mandatory transfer of all dedicated air cargo operations to AIFA.
In response, the U.S. administration revoked expansion permits for Mexican carriers, resulting in the cancellation of 13 commercial routes and the inability to launch new services, impacting competitiveness in the country’s most vital market.
Integrating AIFA into the Bilateral Agreement
One of the most notable points in the negotiations between the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE), the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), and the DOT is the recognition of AIFA.
Both nations agreed to move forward with the inclusion of this terminal under the 2015 Air Transport Agreement. Regarding logistics, conditions were established to ensure that both Mexican and U.S. airlines have fair access to cargo infrastructure in the Valley of Mexico, covering both AICM and AIFA.
Oversight and Timelines: When Will Sanctions Be Lifted?
Despite the optimism, the DOT has been emphatic: sanctions will not be lifted until the announced measures are effectively implemented. To monitor this process, a bilateral working group composed of officials from the SICT and the DOT will be established.
Industry experts warn that tangible results from these efforts will be seen during the planning of the upcoming winter season. Due to implementation and oversight timelines, it is likely that operational restrictions will remain in effect until April of next year.
Aviation Industry Reactions
The country’s leading airlines and trade organizations have welcomed the news as a positive step for the industry:
- Aeromexico: The flag carrier valued the efforts to maintain a constructive dialogue that strengthens the bilateral relationship.
- Viva Aerobus: Acknowledged the management by Mexican authorities and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) at the negotiating table.
- National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO): Described the outcome as a reflection of a dialogue-driven process aimed at preserving a solid and mutually beneficial relationship.
While the dialogue represents significant progress, Mexico must work diligently to comply with the structural reforms required by the agreement and demonstrate that market entry barriers have been permanently removed.
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