US Revokes Mexican Airline Routes Over Air Transport Agreement Breach

U.S. Escalates Aviation Dispute, Revoking Routes for Mexican Airlines

In a significant move, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has intensified its ongoing aviation dispute with Mexico by revoking approvals for 13 routes operated by Mexican air carriers. Announced on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, the decision marks a direct response to what the U.S. government describes as Mexico’s persistent failure to adhere to the bilateral air transport agreement governing flights between the two nations. This action is not an isolated event but the latest in a series of measures aimed at addressing long-standing competition and compliance issues.

The core of the conflict revolves around the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, a pact designed to ensure fair and equal opportunity for airlines from both countries to compete. According to U.S. officials, Mexico has been out of compliance with this agreement since 2022. The recent U.S. actions, which include halting specific flight paths and restricting operations at key Mexico City Airports, signal a hardening stance and are poised to have a tangible impact on transborder air travel, affecting both airlines and passengers.

The Immediate Impact: Routes Canceled and Operations Frozen

The DOT’s order is precise and multifaceted. It revokes the authority for 13 existing or planned routes for Mexican carriers, directly impacting major airlines including Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus. This measure effectively curtails their ability to expand or maintain certain services to the United States, creating immediate operational challenges for these companies. The decision sends a clear message that the U.S. is prepared to impose direct consequences for what it deems anti-competitive behavior.

Beyond the route revocations, the U.S. has also tentatively canceled all combined passenger and Cargo-Aircraft flights operated by Mexican airlines from Mexico City’s newer Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) to the United States. Furthermore, the DOT has frozen the growth of “belly cargo,” cargo carried in the hold of passenger aircraft, from the city’s primary hub, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). These restrictions target crucial revenue streams for airlines and are designed to pressure Mexico into addressing U.S. grievances.

For travelers, the implications could be significant. The DOT has advised that the continued non-compliance by Mexico “may impact travel plans for American citizens.” Passengers with bookings on the affected routes are being urged to contact their respective carriers for information regarding re-accommodation or refunds. The disruption underscores the real-world consequences of international Regulations disputes, potentially leading to fewer flight options and increased uncertainty for the public.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that Mexico has “illegally canceled and froze U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences.”

A Dispute Years in the Making

The current standoff did not emerge overnight. U.S. authorities point to a pattern of actions by the Mexican government that they argue have systematically disadvantaged American carriers. The DOT contends that these issues have been ongoing for years, with the previous administration failing to take decisive action. The current administration has adopted a more aggressive posture, framing its recent decisions as necessary to enforce the terms of the bilateral agreement and protect U.S. interests.

Key Points of Contention

Several specific actions by Mexico form the basis of the U.S. complaint. A primary issue has been the reduction of flight slots for U.S. carriers at the congested Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). These slots are essential for airlines to operate, and their rescission is viewed by the U.S. as a direct violation of the principle of fair access. U.S. officials also note that promises by Mexico to complete construction to alleviate congestion at MEX have not been fulfilled.

Another major point of friction was the forced relocation of U.S. all-cargo carriers from MEX to the newly opened Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) in 2023. The DOT claims this move was imposed on U.S. businesses without adequate consultation and has resulted in millions of dollars in increased operational costs. This relocation is seen as a unilateral change that disrupts established logistics chains and harms American companies.

These grievances have been compounded by what the U.S. sees as a lack of good-faith negotiation from Mexico. The cumulative effect of these issues has led the DOT to conclude that Mexico is not upholding its end of the 2015 agreement, prompting the series of escalating enforcement actions we see today.

Previous Warnings and Regulatory Pressure

Before revoking routes, the DOT had already signaled its intent to take action. In a significant earlier move, the department proposed withdrawing the antitrust immunity for the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. This immunity allows the two airlines to coordinate on pricing, scheduling, and revenue sharing, effectively operating as a single entity on transborder routes. Its removal would force them to end this deep cooperation.

In response to the proposal, Delta Air Lines argued that such a move “would cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition.” The threat of dissolving this major airline alliance highlights the seriousness of the dispute. Additionally, the DOT had previously increased its scrutiny of Mexican carriers, requiring them to file their schedules for all U.S. operations and seek prior approval for large charter flights, adding a layer of administrative burden.

Conclusion: An Uncertain Future for U.S.-Mexico Aviation

The U.S. government’s decision to revoke 13 Mexican airline routes and impose further restrictions represents a critical escalation in a long-simmering dispute. By taking direct action, the DOT is leveraging its regulatory power to force Compliance with the bilateral air transport agreement. The move underscores the U.S. position that actions taken by Mexico, such as reducing flight slots at MEX and relocating cargo operations, have created an unfair competitive landscape that harms U.S. carriers and businesses.

The path forward remains unclear. The Mexican government and the affected airlines have yet to issue a formal, detailed response to these latest measures. Their reaction will be crucial in determining whether the dispute can be resolved through negotiation or if further retaliatory actions will follow. For now, the U.S.-Mexico aviation market, one of the busiest international corridors in the world, faces a period of significant instability that could impact airline operations and traveler convenience for the foreseeable future.

FAQ

Question: Why did the U.S. revoke approval for Mexican airline routes?
Answer: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) took this action because it states Mexico has not been complying with the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement. The U.S. cites issues such as Mexico reducing flight slots for U.S. carriers at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez Airport (MEX) and forcing U.S. cargo operations to relocate to a different airport.

Question: Which airlines are affected by the U.S. order?
Answer: The order revoking 13 routes directly impacts Mexican carriers Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus. A separate but related U.S. proposal also threatens the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico.

Question: What should I do if my flight between the U.S. and Mexico is affected?
Answer: The U.S. DOT advises any passengers who believe their travel plans may be impacted to contact their airline directly for the most current information and assistance with re-accommodation.

Sources:

• Reuters