U. S.

The United States has recently cancelled approval for 13 routes operated by Mexican airlines into the country. This decision affects all combined passenger and cargo flights from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport to various U. S. cities, including Houston, Newark, and Austin. The affected airlines include Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued the order on October 28, citing Mexico’s illegal cancellation and freezing of U. S. carrier flights for three years without consequence. As a result, the U. S. has revoked approval for the 13 routes and cancelled all combined passenger and cargo flights from Mexican airlines to the United States.

In addition to the cancelled routes, the order also freezes the growth of Mexican carriers’ combined passenger and cargo services, known as “belly cargo,” between the United States and Mexico City’s older, primary airport, Benito Juarez International Airport. Duffy is also proposing a prohibition on Mexican passenger airlines transporting belly cargo between Juarez and the United States, which would take effect in about three months if finalized.

Duffy stated, “Until Mexico stops the games and honors its commitments, we will continue to hold them accountable. No country should be able to take advantage of our carriers, our market, and our flyers without repercussions.

The Transportation Department explained that Mexico has not been in compliance with a bilateral aviation agreement since 2022, when it revoked U. S. passenger carriers’ slots and forced U. S. all-cargo carriers to relocate operations. As of now, the transportation ministry in Mexico, as well as Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus, have not responded to requests for comment.

The impacted flights include Aeromexico’s current service between Felipe Angeles and Houston and McAllen, Texas, an Aeromexico service between Mexico City Juarez and San Juan, a Volaris service between Juarez and Newark, New Jersey, and Viva Aerobus’s proposed services between Felipe Angeles and various cities such as Austin, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando.

The Transportation Department warns that Mexico’s continued non-compliance “may impact travel plans for American citizens,” and advises passengers to contact their carrier for specific re-accommodation information. This decision follows last month’s order for Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind their joint venture, which allows the two carriers to coordinate scheduling, pricing, and capacity for U. S. -Mexico flights. The order was made due to concerns about competition.

In August, the Transportation Department also ordered Mexican carriers to file their flight schedules. Duffy has also warned European governments against imposing unilateral restrictions on transatlantic travel, stating that Washington is prepared to enforce international agreements. This stance was recently demonstrated by the action taken against Mexico for similar concerns.