Background and Key Players
The ongoing dispute between the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and Mexico revolves around alleged violations of the air transport bilateral agreement signed in 2015. The controversy has been framed around civil protection and passenger comfort, but the core issue remains unaddressed – a three-year-old conflict between government teams.
Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM) Slot Management
The AICM slot management saturations, decreed in 2013, are standard practices for growing airports. This doesn’t mean limiting operations but rather implementing clear slot management rules (takeoff and landing schedules) for organized, competitive airline operations. This has nothing to do with relocating commercial operations elsewhere.
For decades, 61 operations per hour at AICM has been the benchmark related to runway configuration and airspace according to ICAO standards. Although weather conditions sometimes allowed for up to 70 operations, there was never a problem. However, the need for another airport was recognized due to growing demand, not current operations.
DOT’s Claims and Mexico’s Response
The DOT’s claims pertain to Mexico’s commitments in the bilateral and the procedures used to decide rule changes. When the 2023 decree was issued, then-president wasn’t clearly informed about the repercussions and execution details. Although safety was later cited as the argument, it doesn’t hold water: AICM’s issue is its own, not operators’. Had proper consultation procedures been followed, a specific solution could have been found.
If this case were examined by an international civil aviation experts group, as the bilateral suggests, Mexico would be at a disadvantage since they didn’t adhere to the rules for such cases.
If the US invokes sovereignty principles, arguing Mexico violated the bilateral, they can similarly exercise sovereign decision-making to ban flights and conditions. Given the mutual agreement wasn’t respected, DOT sanctions could escalate further.
Implications for Mexico
Mexico stands to lose significantly in this dispute. The bilateral has greatly benefited Mexico by increasing airline flights, generating business and economic impact. Losing this opportunity restricts Mexico’s use of air transport for trade and tourism, just eight months before the World Cup. More severe sanctions could lead FIFA to reconsider Mexico’s World Cup hosting.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue in the US-Mexico air transport bilateral dispute? The central conflict revolves around alleged violations of the 2015 air transport bilateral agreement between the US and Mexico, with unresolved concerns about slot management at the AICM.
- How has the dispute affected Mexican aviation? The disagreement has led to potential restrictions on Mexican airline operations, impacting business growth and tourism. More severe sanctions could jeopardize Mexico’s hosting of the upcoming World Cup.
- What are the potential consequences for Mexico if the dispute escalates? If sanctions worsen, FIFA might reconsider Mexico’s World Cup hosting, significantly impacting the nation’s economy and international standing.
