A new front opens in. The Donald Trump administration announced this Saturday a series of measures that it is considering applying as retaliation against the Mexican government, which it accuses of violating bilateral agreements on aviation. Washington argues that the Mexican authorities unilaterally rescinded some previously established flight schedules for US airlines and forced cargo carriers to relocate their operations outside, increased their operating costs.
The Secretary of Transportation of the United States, Sean Duffy, warned that if Mexico does not turn back with these measures – which began in 2022 and continued in 2023, and – their department would block new requests from flights to the United States by Mexican airlines. In addition, according to Duffy, the US government is also evaluating the antitrust immunity to the alliance between Delta Airlines and Aeromexico, which would prevent its current commercial cooperation on shared routes between the two countries.
“The Mexican government has not complied with the terms of the Bilateral Aviation Agreement since 2022,” said the Department of Transportation (DOT) in a statement. “By restricting schedules and forcing all load operations to move outside the AICM, Mexico has breached its commitments, has distorted the market and has generated millionaire costs for US companies.”
According to data from the department itself, Mexico is the most popular international destination among American air travelers, with hundreds of daily flights between the two countries. In addition, Mexico is also
Delta, whose share participation includes with concern to Duffy’s advertisements: “If the transport department withdraws the approval of the agreement, significant damage will be caused to consumers who travel between the United States and Mexico, as well as jobs, communities and cross -border competition.” For now, the Ministry of Transportation of Mexico and Aeromexico have not reacted.
One of the central points of the conflict is the lack of advances in the extension of air capacity in the Mexican capital. According to Duffy, Mexico committed in 2021 to build but three years later these works have not been completed.
In 2023, the Mexican government ordered all the cargo airlines – including the Americans – to move to the New Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), a measure that generated strong criticisms in the sector due to the increase in logistics costs and the lack of adequate operational conditions in the new airport.
As part of the measures announced this Saturday, the Department of Transportation has demanded that all Mexican airlines present their flight schedules in the United States before July 29 and obtain prior approval to operate charter passenger or load flights.
The DOT also warned that it is monitoring European countries for alleged similar restrictions in its airports, especially in relation to noise reduction standards that could imply unjustified limitations.
In case the agreement between Delta and Aeromexico is canceled, both companies must cease their coordination in prices, schedules and income distribution. However, Delta will be able to conserve its shareholding in Aeromexico, maintain all its current flights between the two countries and continue with a more limited form of cooperation.
“The playing field has been significantly altered to the detriment of the competition,” concluded the Department of Transportation. “Mexico’s actions harm both new airlines seeking to enter the market and consumers and companies that depend on agile air transport between both nations.”
The new ones in the air sector are not an isolated case, but part of the climate of growing commercial tension between the two countries promoted by protectionism and the constant attacks of President Donald Trump. In addition to steel tariffs, automotive parts and, this new threat adds to the American narrative of growing distrust with its main commercial partner.
