Background and Context
In the midst of strained Mexico-US relations, a new dispute has emerged regarding the 2015 bilateral aviation agreement. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) accuses Mexico of violating the agreement by reducing flight slots at Mexico City’s International Airport (MSC) from 61 to 43 operations per hour and forcibly transferring all cargo-exclusive airlines to MSC.
These changes occurred during the previous administration, but the DOT claims that the reduction in operations at MSC has never been justified and the promised remodeling has not taken place. Furthermore, the DOT asserts that the terms of the bilateral agreement were violated by forcibly moving cargo airlines to MSC.
Proposed US DOT Sanctions
In response, the DOT is considering several sanctions against Mexican airlines. These include requiring Mexican carriers to provide detailed itineraries, aircraft types, and passenger numbers to the DOT by July 29. Additionally, charter flights will need specific approval. The DOT also threatens to prohibit the partnership between Delta and Aeroméxico, a joint venture that has benefited both airlines.
These measures are expected to disrupt the smooth operation of bilateral air transport, which serves over 35 million passengers annually.
Mexico’s Response and Historical Context
While Mexico has presented technical arguments (which some consider dubious), the main issue lies in how these matters were handled. Since the DOT’s initial complaints, the Mexican government has dismissed their concerns and failed to engage in discussions or explain technical justifications.
It has been ten years since the last review of the bilateral aviation agreement, and there were expectations that negotiations might resume this year, potentially including open skies provisions sought by the US in its bilateral agreements with other countries.
Historically, negotiating a bilateral agreement has never been straightforward. A decade ago, there were strong pressures on Mexico to accept an open skies agreement, which would significantly alter the country’s aviation landscape. With these arguments, the US could push for further open skies provisions, integrating aviation into its broader commercial expansion strategy.
Mexico has emphasized a state aeronautics policy, insisting on its sovereignty to determine the direction of its aviation sector without external influence.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the dispute about? The US DOT accuses Mexico of violating the 2015 bilateral aviation agreement by reducing flight slots at Mexico City’s International Airport and forcibly transferring cargo-exclusive airlines to the same airport.
- What sanctions is the DOT considering? The DOT is contemplating measures such as requiring Mexican airlines to share detailed flight information, obtaining specific approvals for charter flights, and potentially prohibiting the partnership between Delta and Aeroméxico.
- Why is this significant? These sanctions could disrupt the smooth operation of bilateral air transport, which serves millions of passengers annually. The dispute also highlights the broader US strategy of integrating aviation into its commercial expansion plans.
- What is Mexico’s stance? Mexico has presented technical arguments and emphasized its state aeronautics policy, asserting its sovereignty over the direction of its aviation sector.
