U.S. Revokes Approval for 13 Mexican Airline Routes Due to Competition Issues
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the revocation of approval for 13 routes operated by Mexican airlines to U.S. territory. Additionally, it canceled all combined passenger and cargo flights by Mexican carriers to the United States originating from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) in Mexico City.
The decision, signed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is a response to what he termed an “illegal cancellation and immobilization” of U.S. airline flights by Mexico over a three-year period, without any consequences.
“Until Mexico stops playing games and meets its commitments, we will continue to hold them accountable. No country should take advantage of our airlines, our market, and our passengers without repercussions,” Duffy stated.
Direct Impact on Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobús
The order issued by Duffy cancels some current and planned flights by Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus. It also freezes the growth of combined passenger and cargo (“belly cargo”) services by Mexican airlines between the United States and the Benito Juárez International Airport, the main airport in Mexico City.
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Among the disapproved flights are:
- Aeroméxico: Routes between Mexico City (Benito Juárez) and San Juan, as well as between AIFA and Houston and McAllen, Texas.
- Volaris: Service between Benito Juárez and Newark, New Jersey.
- Viva Aerobus: Proposed operations from AIFA to Austin, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando.
Mexico, Out of Compliance Since 2022
The DOT indicated that Mexico has been out of compliance with the bilateral aviation agreement since 2022. That year, Mexico revoked slot permits for U.S. airlines and forced cargo companies to move their operations out of Benito Juárez International Airport.
This situation could affect the travel plans of U.S. citizens. Therefore, the Department recommended that passengers contact their airline directly to learn about rebooking options.
Additional Blow: End of the Delta–Aeroméxico Alliance
This measure adds to another recent DOT decision, which ordered the dissolution of the joint cooperation agreement (joint venture) between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico. Through this alliance, both airlines coordinated schedules, prices, and capacity on flights between the United States and Mexico.
The agency argued that the alliance creates anti-competitive effects in the markets between the U.S. and Mexico City, giving Delta and Aeroméxico an unfair advantage.
In August, the Department had already warned about these risks and required Mexican airlines to submit their flight schedules.
Warning to Europe as Well
Last month, Secretary Duffy also alerted European governments about the imposition of unilateral restrictions on transatlantic flights, underscoring that Washington is prepared to enforce international agreements, as demonstrated by the recent action against Mexico.
With information from Reuters
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