Mexico Agrees to Return Airport Slots to U.S. Airlines After Months of Tension
Mexico signalled it will return some flight slots at Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport to U.S. carriers.
This move follows a months-long trade dispute with the Trump administration over fair access and aviation competitiveness.
Mexico Signals a Shift in Aviation Policy
President Claudia Sheinbaum said “Mexican airlines agreed to give up certain slots after reviewing competitiveness concerns.” She did not confirm how many slots will be returned but said a digital flight distribution system will launch in 2026.
U.S. and international airlines have already endorsed the new system, which aims to modernise slot allocation across Mexico. The concession comes after tensions escalated when the U.S. Department of Transportation dissolved the Delta – Aeroméxico partnership. The department then cancelled several crossborder routes operated by Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris. U.S. officials argued that Mexico reduced foreign access at Benito Juárez, harming United, Delta, and American Airlines.
Background: How the Dispute Escalated
Mexico previously pushed U.S. cargo airlines to move operations to Felipe Ángeles International Airport. The airport sits farther from central Mexico City and creates added logistical challenges for carriers like FedEx and UPS. Mexico said the shift was necessary to relieve congestion at Benito Juárez, which faces chronic capacity issues.
Slot reductions and cargo relocations occurred in 2022 and 2023 under the prior administration. The DOT later labelled these actions an unfair market distortion and moved to unwind Delta’s joint venture with Aeroméxico. A U.S. appeals court recently granted both airlines a temporary stay against the DOT’s order.
Renewed Dialogue Points to Possible Resolution
In October, the DOT cancelled 13 U.S.–Mexico routes, intensifying pressure on Mexican carriers. The cancellations affected Aeroméxico flights from Felipe Ángeles to Houston and McAllen, and Volaris flights to Newark. Sheinbaum criticised the cancellations as unfair and politically motivated and raised the issue with President Trump.
On Monday, she confirmed that both countries appear to be moving toward a new aviation understanding. She also said U.S. authorities must recognise the importance of both Mexico City airports. She noted that cargo airlines flying from Felipe Ángeles are satisfied but still need smoother customs processes.
In August, United Airlines said Mexican officials planned to reinstate previously confiscated AICM slots for U.S. carriers. This latest announcement suggests progress toward restoring balance in U.S. – Mexico aviation access.