Background and Key Players
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, has expressed her disagreement with the United States Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to prevent Mexican airlines from operating 13 routes between Mexico and the US, starting November 7. This move comes as retaliation for two decisions made by the Mexican government: removing take-off and landing slots from airlines at Benito Juarez International Airport (AICM) in 2022, including some US airlines, to reduce the number of hourly aircraft operations due to congestion. The second decision was prohibiting dedicated air cargo operations at AICM in 2023, moving them to Santa Lucía International Airport (AIFA), citing security reasons.
The DOT argues that these actions violate the 2014 air agreement between Mexico and the US, which guarantees Mexico’s commitment not to unilaterally restrict traffic volume for US carriers and their right to operate cargo services to any location in Mexico.
Sheinbaum’s Response and Next Steps
In response, Sheinbaum has requested Juan Ramón de la Fuente, the Foreign Minister, to seek a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review the DOT’s unilateral actions. She has also asked Andrea Marván, President of Mexico’s Antimonopoly Commission (CNA), to analyze whether the DOT’s measures affect competition among US airlines in Mexico. Sheinbaum will meet with Aeroméxico, Viva, and Volaris representatives on Friday to discuss their opinions on the matter.
“We want respect and joint analysis if there is any basis to their claim of violating competition, which we do not see. AIFA is functioning well, and there’s no reason to limit flights to the US,” Sheinbaum stated during her morning press conference.
Airline Responses and Future Implications
Viva, Volaris, and the National Air Transportation Chamber (CANAERO) have also expressed their position, advocating for institutional dialogue to resolve the situation and minimize passenger impact. Aeroméxico has announced a passenger protection policy for flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico from AICM, offering refunds for affected passengers. Viva has stated they are working on alternatives for passengers whose flights from AIFA, starting November 1, 2025, are affected by the DOT’s order.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the dispute about? The US DOT accuses Mexico of violating their 2014 air agreement by limiting US airline operations through the removal of take-off and landing slots at AICM and prohibiting dedicated air cargo operations at the same airport.
- What actions has Mexico taken? Mexico removed take-off and landing slots from AICM in 2022 to reduce congestion and prohibited dedicated air cargo operations at AICM in 2023, moving them to AIFA, citing security reasons.
- How have airlines responded? Mexican airlines Viva, Volaris, and Aeroméxico have called for dialogue to resolve the situation and minimize passenger impact. They have also announced passenger protection policies for affected routes.
- What is the significance of this dispute? This dispute could impact air travel and cargo operations between Mexico and the US, potentially leading to changes in flight schedules, increased costs, or limited options for passengers and businesses.
