U.S. Department of Transportation Acts Against Mexico for Aviation Agreement Breaches

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken strong action against Mexico 🇲🇽 in July 2025, accusing it of breaking the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement. This move comes after years of rising tension between the two countries over airline operations, and it could have big effects for airlines, travelers, and trade.

On July 19, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced three major enforcement steps against Mexico 🇲🇽. These steps aim to address what the DOT calls anti-competitive behavior and unfair treatment of U.S. airlines. The DOT says Mexico 🇲🇽 has not kept its promises under the Air Transport Agreement, which is supposed to make sure airlines from both countries can compete fairly.

What Are the New U.S. Actions?

The DOT’s latest actions include:

• Part 213 Order: All Mexican airlines must now file their flight schedules for U.S. operations with the DOT. This means every flight, whether for passengers or cargo, must be reported in detail.
• Part 212 Order: Mexican airlines must get DOT approval before running any large passenger or cargo charter flights between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽.
• Supplemental Show Cause Order: The DOT is proposing to take away antitrust immunity (ATI) from the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. Without this immunity, the two airlines would have to end their close business partnership, which could affect many flights and travelers.

Mexican airlines have until July 29, 2025, to respond to these new requirements and show they are following the rules. If they do not, the DOT says it may start blocking future flight requests from Mexican carriers and move forward with ending the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture’s special status. This change would not happen before October 25, 2025.

Why Did This Happen?

The dispute started in 2022 when Mexico 🇲🇽 suddenly took away takeoff and landing slots from U.S. airlines at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). Mexico 🇲🇽 also forced all-cargo airlines to move their operations to Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU), which is about 30 miles away from the city center. Mexican officials said this was needed to reduce congestion and allow for construction at MEX. However, the U.S. government says that, three years later, there has been little real construction and the changes mostly hurt U.S. airlines.

U.S. airlines like American, Delta, and United, as well as Mexican airlines such as Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris, were all affected by these slot changes. The U.S. Department of Transportation argues that these actions made it harder and more expensive for U.S. airlines to operate in Mexico 🇲🇽, while giving Mexican airlines an unfair advantage.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the DOT believes Mexico 🇲🇽 has not honored its side of the Air Transport Agreement, which is meant to create a level playing field for airlines from both countries. The agreement is supposed to allow airlines to compete freely and openly, without one side putting up barriers or giving special treatment to its own companies.

How Does This Affect Airlines and Travelers?

The new DOT orders mean that:

• Mexican airlines must now submit detailed schedules for all flights to the United States 🇺🇸 and get approval for large charter flights. If they do not follow these rules, the DOT could block their future flight requests or add more restrictions.
• Delta and Aeromexico could lose their ability to work closely together. Their joint venture, which lets them share routes, prices, and profits, covers more than 90 flights a day and 21 routes. If the DOT takes away their antitrust immunity, they would have to stop this close cooperation. The airlines say this could lead to job losses, higher ticket prices, and the loss of $800 million in benefits for travelers. They also warn that it could cut flights and make it harder for people to travel between the two countries.
• U.S. cargo airlines have already faced higher costs and more complicated operations because they were forced to move to Felipe Angeles International Airport. The new DOT actions are meant to push back against these changes and protect U.S. companies.

Delta and Aeromexico have strongly opposed the DOT’s actions. They call the possible end of their joint venture “arbitrary, misdirected, discriminatory, and ineffectual.” Both airlines are preparing a joint response and have already sent detailed arguments to the DOT, defending their partnership and warning about the negative effects on travelers and jobs.

What Does This Mean for Tourists and the Economy?

Delta and Aeromexico say that ending their alliance could make it harder for people to travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽. They estimate that over 140,000 Americans and nearly 90,000 Mexicans travel between the two countries each year using their joint network. If flights are cut or prices go up, fewer people may visit, which could hurt tourism and local businesses in both countries.

The airlines also warn that breaking up their partnership could lead to higher fares, fewer choices, and less convenient connections for travelers. This could make it more expensive and difficult for families, students, and business travelers to move between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽.

What Are the Next Steps for Airlines?

All affected airlines must act quickly to follow the new DOT rules. Here’s what they need to do:

1. Mexican airlines must file all U.S. operation schedules with the DOT right away.
2. For any large passenger or cargo charter flights, Mexican airlines must get DOT approval before flying.
3. Delta and Aeromexico must prepare for the possible end of their joint venture. This means they would have to stop sharing prices, managing capacity together, and splitting revenue. However, they could still codeshare (sell seats on each other’s flights) and allow frequent flyer members to earn and use miles across both airlines.
4. All airlines and interested parties have until July 29, 2025, to respond to the DOT’s orders and show they are following the rules or suggest ways to fix the problems.

What Do Experts and Industry Groups Say?

Aviation experts warn that this dispute could grow into a bigger trade conflict between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽. If the situation gets worse, it could lead to new tariffs or affect other areas of trade. Industry groups also worry that if Mexico 🇲🇽 gets away with these actions, other countries might try similar moves against U.S. airlines, making it harder for them to compete around the world.

The DOT has also warned European countries about similar anti-competitive practices, showing that the United States 🇺🇸 is ready to take a tougher stance on airline agreements globally. This could mean more enforcement actions in the future if other countries do not follow the rules set out in their air transport agreements.

What Has the Mexican Government Said?

As of July 21, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum and her administration have not made a public statement about the new U.S. restrictions. Sheinbaum has not mentioned the issue in her recent public appearances, and her office has not answered questions from the media. This silence has left many wondering how Mexico 🇲🇽 will respond and whether the two countries can find a solution before the dispute gets worse.

What Are the Broader Implications?

This dispute is not just about airlines. It touches on bigger issues of trade, fairness, and how countries treat each other’s businesses. The U.S. Department of Transportation says it is acting to protect American companies and workers, and to make sure that international agreements are respected.

Secretary Sean P. Duffy has been clear in his criticism of Mexico’s actions. He said, “America First means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness.” He also blamed the previous administration for letting the situation get out of hand, suggesting that stronger action should have been taken sooner.

If the DOT follows through with its threats, it could mean fewer flights, higher prices, and less choice for travelers between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽. It could also hurt jobs in both countries, especially for airline workers, airport staff, and people who depend on tourism.

What Should Affected Travelers and Businesses Do?

If you are planning to travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽, or if your business depends on air cargo between the two countries, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments. Airlines may change schedules, cancel flights, or adjust prices as the situation unfolds.

• Check with your airline for the latest updates on flights and policies.
• Monitor official sources like the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website for new announcements and rules. The DOT’s official website provides real-time information and press releases.
• If you are an airline or cargo operator, make sure you are following all new DOT requirements for schedule filings and charter approvals. The DOT’s Office of International Aviation provides detailed guidance and contact information for these processes.

Looking Ahead: What Happens Next?

The situation remains uncertain. If Mexico 🇲🇽 does not meet the DOT’s demands by July 29, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 may start blocking flight requests from Mexican airlines and move forward with ending the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture’s special status. This would take effect no earlier than October 25, 2025.

Both sides are expected to keep negotiating and may challenge each other’s actions in court. The United States 🇺🇸 is also reviewing other international air transport agreements to see if similar problems exist, which could lead to more enforcement actions against other countries.

For now, the message from the U.S. Department of Transportation is clear: the United States 🇺🇸 expects its partners to follow the rules and treat American companies fairly. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this case could set an important example for how the United States 🇺🇸 handles future disputes over air transport agreements.

Key Takeaways for Readers

• The U.S. Department of Transportation has taken strong action against Mexico 🇲🇽 for breaking the 2015 Air Transport Agreement.
• Mexican airlines must now file detailed flight schedules and get approval for large charter flights to the United States 🇺🇸.
• The DOT may end the special partnership between Delta and Aeromexico, which could mean fewer flights and higher prices for travelers.
• All affected parties have until July 29, 2025, to respond to the DOT’s orders.
• The dispute could grow into a larger trade conflict if not resolved soon.
• Travelers and businesses should stay updated through official sources and be ready for possible changes in flight schedules and prices.

For more information and the latest updates, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official website. This is the best place to find real-time news, official orders, and guidance for airlines and travelers affected by these changes.

By keeping a close eye on these developments, travelers, airlines, and businesses can better prepare for any changes and make informed decisions about their plans between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽.

Learn Today

Department of Transportation → U.S. federal agency overseeing transportation systems, including aviation regulations and agreements.
Air Transport Agreement → Bilateral treaty regulating airline operations and competition between the U.S. and Mexico.
Antitrust Immunity (ATI) → Legal protection allowing airlines to collaborate without violating competition laws.
Charter Flights → Non-scheduled flights arranged for specific passengers or cargo requiring special approval.
Slot → Authorized time for an airline to take off or land at an airport.

This Article in a Nutshell

The U.S. DOT accuses Mexico of breaking the 2015 Air Transport Agreement, issuing new rules that could disrupt flights. These measures target unfair airline practices and threaten to end Delta-Aeromexico’s joint venture, impacting travel and trade between the United States and Mexico significantly.
— By VisaVerge.com