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Key Points

The US has imposed new flight restrictions on Mexico, accusing it of violating the 2015 air agreement. Mexico had previously forced US cargo carriers to relocate operations, citing airport congestion ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The move threatens the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture, which estimates $800M in annual consumer savings. The US warns of further action if Mexico fails to address the violations.

Key Points: US Slaps New Flight Restrictions on Mexico Over Air Agreement Violations

  • US accuses Mexico of violating 2015 air agreement since 2022
  • New rules target Mexican airlines' US operations and Delta-Aeromexico partnership
  • Mexico cited airport congestion ahead of 2026 World Cup as reason for changes
  • Restrictions could affect $800M in consumer savings from airline joint venture
2 min read

US announces limits on Mexican flights

The US limits Mexican flights, citing violations of the 2015 air agreement, impacting Delta-Aeromexico joint operations and cargo carriers.

"Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs. – US Department of Transportation"

Washington, July 20

The US government announced new limits on Mexican flights, accusing Mexico of violating the bilateral air agreement on aviation access and fairness.

Mexico has not been in compliance with the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement since 2022 "when it abruptly rescinded slots and then forced US all-cargo carriers to relocate operations," the US Department of Transportation said in a statement.

Mexico's then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador argued that the capital's main airport Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) was overcrowded, requiring renovation ahead of the upcoming World Cup, partly to be held in Mexico in 2026, and that a newer airport about 48 km away could manage the extra traffic, Xinhua news agency reported.

"By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX, Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs," said the statement.

The three "America First actions" announced by US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy will include requiring Mexican airlines to file schedules with the US Department of Transportation for all their US operations, requiring prior department approval before operating any large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights to or from the United States, and the department might withdraw antitrust immunity from the Delta Air Lines joint venture with Aeromexico, the flag carrier of Mexico, to address competitive issues in the market.

Delta and Aeromexico, starting their partnership in 2016, have been fighting the department's threats since early last year. The airlines have argued that it's unfair to punish them for the Mexican government's actions. They estimated ending their partnership would harm nearly two dozen routes and $800 million in annual consumer savings.

The department noted it "reserves the right to disapprove flight requests from Mexico should the country fail to take corrective action."

Mexico, the No. 1 international destination for US travelers for years, welcomed about 45 million international tourists in 2024, according to the Mexican National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As someone who frequently travels to US via Mexico, I hope this gets resolved soon. The last thing we need is higher ticket prices because of these restrictions. Airlines like Aeromexico provide good connectivity options for Indian travelers too.
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Aditya G
Both countries should sit down and negotiate properly instead of playing tit-for-tat. The aviation industry is still recovering post-pandemic - we don't need more disruptions. Maybe Mexico could have handled the airport transition better though.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see how this affects Indian travelers who use Mexico as a transit point to US. Our government should monitor this situation closely - we don't want to get caught in the middle of US-Mexico aviation disputes.
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Karthik V
"America First" actions? Sounds like protectionism to me. The US always talks about free markets but imposes restrictions when it suits them. Meanwhile, our Indian airlines are expanding globally without such drama. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Meera T
The timing is bad with World Cup coming up. Many Indian football fans were planning Mexico trips. Hope this doesn't make travel more complicated. Maybe Air India should consider direct flights to Mexico City now!

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