The Trump administration has implemented new restrictions on flights from Mexico, threatening the established partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. This action is a direct response to limitations imposed by the Mexican government on passenger and cargo flights into Mexico City. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, these measures violate a trade agreement between the United States and Mexico, granting unfair advantages to domestic airlines.
The Mexican government’s requirement for airlines to shift operations from the main Benito Juarez International Airport to the newer Felipe Angeles International Airport, located more than 30 miles away, has been a point of contention. Duffy stated, “Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the U.S., our carriers, and our market. ‘America First’ means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness.”
As part of the new restrictions, all Mexican passenger, cargo, and charter airlines are now required to submit their flight schedules to the U.S. Transportation Department for government approval. This process will remain in place until Duffy is satisfied with Mexico’s treatment of U.S. airlines. The implications of these actions on the broader trade relationship and ongoing tariff negotiations between the two nations are yet to be determined.
The partnership between Delta and Aeromexico, which began in 2016, has faced challenges due to the Transportation Department’s efforts to terminate the agreement. Both airlines argue that penalizing them for the actions of the Mexican government is unjust. They emphasize that the dissolution of their partnership could jeopardize nearly two dozen routes and result in $800 million in annual consumer savings.
In a statement, Delta expressed concern: “The U.S. Department of Transportation’s tentative proposal to terminate its approval of the strategic and pro-competitive partnership between Delta and Aeromexico would cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition.”
Aeromexico’s press office confirmed it is reviewing the order and plans to issue a joint response with Delta in the coming days. It is important to note that the order terminating the partnership will not take effect until October 2023, allowing the airlines time to contest the decision.
As discussions unfold, a spokesperson for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the new restrictions. She did not address the issue during a public event on the same day the restrictions were announced, leaving many questions about the future of U.S.-Mexico aviation relations unanswered.
The evolving situation reflects deeper tensions in the bilateral relationship, particularly regarding trade and transportation. Stakeholders from both countries will be closely monitoring the developments as they unfold.
