US cancels 13 Mexican carrier routes and Felipe Angeles flights, citing Mexico’s aviation agreement violations and competition concerns.
WASHINGTON: The United States has revoked approval for 13 routes operated by Mexican carriers into its territory.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the cancellation of all combined passenger and cargo flights by Mexican airlines from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport to the United States.
Duffy stated Mexico illegally canceled and froze US carrier flights for three years without facing consequences.
His order also cancels current or planned flights by Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus.
The action freezes growth of Mexican carriers’ combined passenger and cargo services between the United States and Benito Juarez International Airport.
Duffy is proposing to prohibit Mexican passenger airlines from transporting belly cargo between Juarez and the United States.
This prohibition would take effect in about three months if finalized.
“Until Mexico stops the games and honors its commitments, we will continue to hold them accountable,” Duffy said.
“No country should be able to take advantage of our carriers, our market, and our flyers without repercussions.”
The Transportation Department said Mexico has not complied with a bilateral aviation agreement since 2022.
Mexico rescinded US passenger carriers’ slots and forced US all-cargo carriers to relocate operations during that period.
Mexico’s transportation ministry and the three affected airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The disapproved flights include Aeromexico service between Mexico City Juarez and San Juan.
Volaris service between Juarez and Newark, New Jersey was also revoked.
Viva Aerobus’s proposed services between Felipe Angeles and nine US cities were canceled.
Aeromexico’s current service between Felipe Angeles and Houston and McAllen, Texas was included in the revocation.
The Department of Transportation warned Mexico’s continued non-compliance may impact travel plans for American citizens.
Passengers should contact their carrier for specific re-accommodation information according to the department.
Last month, the Transportation Department ordered Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind a joint venture.
This joint venture let the carriers coordinate scheduling, pricing and capacity for US–Mexico flights.
The department cited competition concerns as the reason for this action among several aimed at Mexican aviation.
In August, the department said the joint venture needs to end because of ongoing anticompetitive effects.
These effects provide an unfair advantage to Delta and Aeromexico in US-Mexico City markets according to officials.
The department had earlier ordered Mexican carriers to file their flight schedules for review.
Last month, Duffy warned European governments against imposing unilateral restrictions on transatlantic travel.
Washington is prepared to enforce international agreements according to his statement.
This stance was underscored by recent action taken against Mexico over similar concerns.
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