Background on the Situation
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken restrictive measures against Mexico’s recent decisions in the aviation sector, particularly concerning cargo operations at the Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Ángeles (AIFA) and the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM). This move is a response to Washington’s dissatisfaction with Mexico’s presidential decree that moved dedicated cargo operations from AICM to AIFA, allegedly causing anti-competitive effects.
Key Actions and Timeline
- July 19: DOT requested Mexican airlines (Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva, Estafeta, Aerus, TAR, MAS Carga) to submit their current itineraries for exclusive cargo services for legal requirement review.
- July 19: DOT issued an order requiring Mexican charter flight approvals (passenger and cargo) to be pre-approved, ensuring timely submission of necessary information.
- September 15: DOT announced the revocation of antitrust immunity for Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico, effective from January 1, 2026. This decision has been contested by the involved parties.
- October 28: DOT announced the prohibition of Mexican passenger airlines transporting cargo between the US and AICM, removal of approval for two active routes between the US and AIFA, and withdrawal of approval for nine new routes from AIFA to the US. This includes a route from AICM to New York (Newark) and another from AICM to San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Impact on AIFA and Mexican Airlines
The AIFA, managed by the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), is currently ramping up operations and had previously announced nine new routes by Viva, including connections to Chicago, Austin, Denver, Dallas, Miami, and Los Angeles. Mexicana de Aviación, the state-owned airline, planned to use new Embraer aircraft to boost activity and generate more revenue from AIFA.
However, the DOT views these sudden capacity reductions at AICM (slot reduction and cargo operation exit due to congestion issues) as occurring when Mexico was actively seeking increased traffic at AIFA, despite efforts to enhance services.
The US authority acknowledges that Mexican officials have been in contact, explaining their decisions, but this has not prevented further restrictive actions.
The DOT is concerned that the anti-monopoly decree removing cargo operations from AICM has not been repealed, and competitive slots have not been restored for US airlines at AICM, despite some returned slots being usable until the 2026 summer season.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The US DOT’s dissatisfaction stems from Mexico’s presidential decree moving dedicated cargo operations from AICM to AIFA, causing alleged anti-competitive effects.
- What actions has the DOT taken? The DOT has requested itineraries for review, mandated pre-approval for charter flights, and revoked antitrust immunity for Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico. It has also prohibited Mexican airlines from transporting cargo between the US and AICM and withdrawn approval for several routes.
- How will this affect Mexican airlines and AIFA? The restrictive measures will primarily impact AIFA, which is increasing operations. Mexican airlines, including Viva and Aeroméxico, will face route cancellations or delays. The state-owned Mexicana de Aviación’s expansion plans may also be affected.
- What is the US DOT’s strategy? The DOT’s actions align with the “America First” strategy, prioritizing US interests in aviation and addressing perceived anti-competitive practices by Mexico.
