U.S. Blocks 13 Mexican Airline Routes Over Bilateral Agreement Dispute
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy takes strong action against Mexico for violating the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.
The U.S. Department of Transportation blocks 13 Mexican airline routes in response to Mexico’s repeated violations of the bilateral aviation agreement. Secretary Sean Duffy states Mexico illegally cancelled and froze U.S. carrier flights for three years without facing meaningful consequences.
The suspended routes include flights from Mexico City to San Juan, Houston, McAllen, Newark, and proposed services to multiple U.S. cities. The DOT advises affected passengers to contact airlines promptly for updated information regarding re-accommodation and disrupted travel plans.
Airlines and Routes Affected
Aeromexico loses approval for flights from Benito Juárez and Felipe Angeles airports to Houston, McAllen, and San Juan destinations. Volaris routes from Benito Juárez International Airport to Newark are suspended until Mexico complies fully with U.S. aviation requirements.
Viva Aerobus proposed services from Felipe Angeles to Austin, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando are canceled. The DOT also freezes Mexican carriers’ combined passenger and cargo flights, known as belly cargo, between Mexico City airports and U.S. destinations.
Duffy Implements Future Prohibitions
Secretary Duffy proposes blocking Mexican passenger airlines from transporting belly cargo between Benito Juárez and the United States within three months. He warns that no country should exploit U.S. carriers, its market, or passengers without facing penalties and strict consequences.
The DOT reports Mexico added new U.S. routes while freezing American operations, breaking commitments and increasing costs for U.S. businesses. Duffy emphasises the actions aim to enforce fair competition, protect American airlines, and uphold obligations under the bilateral aviation agreement.
Mexico Seeks Diplomatic Dialogue
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says “She disagrees with the U.S. actions and requests a formal meeting with Secretary Duffy.” She hopes that discussions will resolve suspended routes and restore aviation cooperation between Mexico and the United States quickly.
The dispute underscores tensions in transborder aviation policies and highlights the need for strict adherence to bilateral agreements by both governments. Passengers are urged to monitor airline updates while U.S. and Mexican authorities negotiate a resolution to affected services and cargo operations.