The US government has announced it will introduce new restrictions on flights from Mexico to the US, effective October 2025. The measures are a response to policies by Mexican authorities that the United States considers non-compliant with the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement. According to US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, all Mexican passenger, cargo, and charter flights will now be required to obtain individual flight plan approval from US authorities. These measures will remain in place until the US determines that its airlines are receiving fair and transparent treatment in Mexico.
The Felipe Ángeles Airport Dispute
At the heart of the dispute is the Mexican government’s decision to move a portion of air traffic from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to the new Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU). Located approximately 50 kilometres from the city centre, the new airport is considered logistically and commercially disadvantageous for many foreign carriers.
The United States claims that the move significantly favours Mexican airlines, which hold more advantageous time slots at the main MEX airport. The US has criticised Mexico’s slot allocation system for its lack of transparency and predictability, viewing it as an obstacle to fair access for foreign carriers.
Delta and Aeromexico Under Pressure
As a result of this dispute, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has also initiated proceedings that could lead to the revocation of antitrust immunity for the Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico joint venture. This alliance, formed in 2016, enables capacity sharing and flight coordination between the US and Mexico.
Delta has described the move as unprecedented, warning that it could negatively affect consumers and economic ties between the two countries.
Impact on the Global Market
Although the measures primarily target US and Mexican carriers, their indirect effects could also be felt by European operators involved in codeshare flights, cargo operations, or other partnerships with Mexican airlines.
For instance, charter flights from Europe to destinations like Cancún could face disruptions such as airport relocations, delays, or reduced operational efficiency within Mexico’s aviation infrastructure.
What’s Next?
The outcome will depend on negotiations between US and Mexican authorities and their willingness to agree on mutually beneficial arrangements for air traffic. If the dispute cannot be resolved through diplomacy, it could disrupt air connectivity both within the region and beyond, potentially affecting transatlantic operations.
Source: AeroTime
