The United States 🇺🇸 has announced new restrictions on Mexican airlines after Mexico forced flights to move from Mexico City’s main airport to the newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The U.S. says these actions break the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and hurt American airlines and travelers. The changes, announced on July 19, 2025, could affect millions of passengers, cargo companies, and the close air travel ties between the two countries.
What Happened and Why It Matters
On July 19, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the United States 🇺🇸 would take strong steps against Mexican airlines. This came after Mexico’s government forced many flights to move from Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City to AIFA, a newer airport about 30 miles away. The U.S. government believes this move breaks the U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, which is supposed to guarantee fair and open access for airlines from both countries.
Secretary Duffy explained, “The United States will not tolerate violations of our bilateral agreements. These actions are needed to restore fairness and competitive balance.” The U.S. says Mexico’s actions make it harder for American airlines to fly to Mexico City, while giving Mexican airlines an unfair advantage.
Immediate Changes for Mexican Airlines
All Mexican airlines—including passenger, cargo, and charter carriers—must now submit their flight schedules for U.S. routes to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and get approval before flying. This new rule applies to every flight, not just new routes. The DOT can say no to any flight if Mexico does not fix the problems the U.S. has raised.
- Mexican airlines must file their U.S. flight schedules with the DOT by July 29, 2025.
- Charter flights with large planes need special DOT approval before flying to or from the United States 🇺🇸.
- The DOT can deny any Mexican flight requests if Mexico does not address U.S. concerns.
This means more paperwork and waiting for Mexican airlines. It could also mean fewer flights, less flexibility, and higher costs for travelers and businesses.
Delta and Aeroméxico Joint Venture at Risk
The DOT is also moving to end the special partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico. Since 2016, these two airlines have worked together closely, sharing routes, prices, and profits between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽. This partnership, called a “joint venture,” lets them act almost like one airline on cross-border routes.
If the DOT takes away their antitrust immunity, Delta and Aeroméxico will have to stop working together on pricing, flight schedules, and sharing money. They could still codeshare (sell seats on each other’s flights) and let frequent flyers earn points, but the close business partnership would end.
- The earliest date for ending the Delta-Aeroméxico joint venture is October 25, 2025.
- Both airlines are reviewing the order and plan to respond together.
Delta warns that ending the partnership would hurt travelers, reduce competition, and put nearly two dozen routes and $800 million in yearly economic benefits at risk. Aeroméxico is still looking at the order and has not made a public statement yet.
Background: Why Did Mexico Move Flights to AIFA?
In February 2023, Mexico’s government, led by then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, ordered all-cargo airlines to move from MEX to AIFA. The government said MEX was too crowded and unsafe, so moving flights would help. Later, Mexico also took away some takeoff and landing slots for passenger airlines at MEX, making it harder for U.S. airlines to get good times for their flights.
President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office after López Obrador, says the move was needed for safety and efficiency. She also says the government has not been formally told about U.S. sanctions and does not see the changes as unfair.
Mexico’s Transportation Ministry says the move was needed because MEX was too busy and had safety problems. They claim things have improved since flights moved to AIFA.
How the U.S. and Others See the Situation
The U.S. government believes Mexico’s actions break the U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement. This agreement, signed in 2015, is supposed to let airlines from both countries fly freely between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽, without unfair limits.
The U.S. says forcing flights to AIFA, which is farther from the city and less developed, makes it harder for American airlines to compete. It also says taking away slots at MEX hurts U.S. airlines and travelers.
The U.S. is warning European countries, too. If they put similar limits on U.S. airlines, the United States 🇺🇸 could take the same kind of action against them.
Industry and Expert Reactions
The Cargo Airline Association (CAA), which represents U.S. cargo airlines, supports the U.S. actions. They say these steps protect American businesses from unfair foreign practices.
Aviation and trade experts warn that losing direct flights could mean over 140,000 fewer American tourists and almost 90,000 fewer Mexican tourists each year. This would hurt both countries’ economies, especially in tourism and jobs.
Some Mexican officials and analysts say the airport changes were needed for safety and better infrastructure, not to hurt U.S. airlines.
What This Means for Travelers and Businesses
The new rules could have big effects on people and companies in both countries:
- For Mexican Airlines: They now face more paperwork and possible delays. They might have to cut flights or change schedules, which could mean fewer choices for travelers.
- For Delta and Aeroméxico: If their partnership ends, travelers could see fewer flights, higher prices, and less convenience on routes between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽.
- For U.S. Travelers: Mexico is the top foreign destination for Americans, with over 40 million passengers each year. These changes could mean fewer flights, higher prices, and more trouble booking trips.
- For Cargo Companies: U.S. cargo airlines now have to use AIFA, which is farther from central Mexico City and not as well developed as MEX. This means higher costs and more complicated logistics.
- For U.S.-Mexico Relations: The dispute could spill over into other areas, like trade talks and tariffs, making relations between the two countries more tense.
Official Statements from Key Players
- Sean P. Duffy (U.S. Transportation Secretary): “The United States will not tolerate violations of our bilateral agreements. These actions are necessary to restore fairness and competitive balance.”
- Delta Air Lines: Warned that ending the joint venture with Aeroméxico would harm consumers, reduce competition, and threaten nearly two dozen routes and $800 million in yearly economic benefits.
- Aeroméxico: Reviewing the order and plans to respond with Delta.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico): Dismissed the idea of sanctions, saying the airport move was needed for safety and efficiency, and that the government has not been formally notified of U.S. sanctions.
- Mexico’s Transportation Ministry: Defended the move as necessary for safety and said things have improved since flights moved to AIFA.
- Cargo Airline Association (CAA): Supported the U.S. actions, saying they protect American businesses from unfair practices.
Procedural Details and Deadlines
Mexican airlines must act quickly to follow the new rules:
- All Mexican airlines must file their U.S. flight schedules with the DOT by July 29, 2025.
- Charter flights with large aircraft need special DOT approval before flying to or from the United States 🇺🇸.
- The DOT can deny any Mexican flight requests if Mexico does not address U.S. concerns.
- The final order to end the Delta-Aeroméxico joint venture will not take effect until at least October 25, 2025. Both airlines are expected to keep fighting the decision.
For more details on these procedures, travelers and airlines can visit the official U.S. Department of Transportation website.
Broader Implications for the U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement
The U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement was designed to make air travel between the two countries easier and fairer. It allows airlines from both sides to fly freely, set their own prices, and choose their own routes. When one country takes steps that limit the other’s airlines, it can lead to disputes like this one.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the current situation tests the strength of the agreement and could set an example for how the United States 🇺🇸 handles similar problems with other countries. The U.S. wants to show that it will defend its airlines and travelers if foreign governments take unfair actions.
Possible Solutions and What Comes Next
The situation is still changing. Both governments and the airlines involved are expected to keep talking and negotiating in the coming weeks. There are several possible outcomes:
- Mexico could agree to change its policies and allow more flights at MEX, which might lead the U.S. to lift its restrictions.
- The DOT could finalize its order to end the Delta-Aeroméxico joint venture, which would change how the two airlines work together.
- Mexico could take its own actions in response, possibly making things harder for U.S. airlines in Mexico.
- Both sides could reach a new agreement that balances safety, airport congestion, and fair access for airlines from both countries.
Travelers, airlines, and businesses should watch for updates from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Mexico’s Transportation Ministry. Airlines may change their schedules, routes, or prices as the situation develops.
Practical Guidance for Affected Travelers and Businesses
If you are planning to fly between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽, or if your business depends on air cargo between the two countries, here are some steps you can take:
- Check with your airline for the latest flight schedules and possible changes.
- Book flights early, as there may be fewer options or higher prices.
- If you use cargo services, talk to your provider about possible delays or extra costs due to the move to AIFA.
- Stay informed by following updates from official sources like the U.S. Department of Transportation and Mexico’s Transportation Ministry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S.-Mexico Air Travel
The dispute over AIFA and the U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement shows how important air travel is for both countries. Millions of people travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽 every year for business, tourism, and family visits. Air cargo is also a key part of trade between the two countries.
Both governments have strong reasons to find a solution. The United States 🇺🇸 wants to protect its airlines and travelers. Mexico wants to improve safety and reduce congestion at its main airport. The outcome will affect not just airlines, but also travelers, businesses, and the close ties between the two countries.
As the situation develops, it is important for everyone involved to stay informed and be ready for changes. The hope is that both sides can find a fair solution that keeps air travel open, safe, and competitive for everyone.
For More Information
- U.S. Department of Transportation: www.transportation.gov
- Mexican Transportation Ministry: www.gob.mx/sct
- Delta Air Lines: www.delta.com
- Aeroméxico: www.aeromexico.com
Keep checking these official sites for the latest updates on flights, rules, and agreements between the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽.
Learn Today
Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) → New airport 30 miles from Mexico City replacing some flights from Benito Juárez International Airport.
U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement → 2015 agreement ensuring fair access and open competition for airlines between the two countries.
Joint Venture → A business partnership where two airlines cooperate on routes, pricing, and profits, acting nearly as one company.
Antitrust Immunity → Legal protection allowing airlines in a joint venture to coordinate pricing without violating competition laws.
Department of Transportation (DOT) → U.S. federal agency regulating transportation and overseeing airline schedules and compliance.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. restricts Mexican airlines after Mexico forced flights to AIFA, breaking the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement. This disrupts operations, risks Delta-Aeroméxico’s joint venture ending, and could cause higher costs and fewer flights for passengers and cargo companies alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
