The Trump administration has taken a firm stance by implementing new restrictions on flights from Mexico, signaling potential consequences for the long-standing partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. This move comes as a reaction to the Mexican government’s past decisions that have limited both passenger and cargo flights to Mexico City.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed out that Mexico’s requirement for airlines to shift from the primary Benito Juarez International Airport to the newer Felipe Angeles International Airport, located over 30 miles away, breaches a trade agreement between the two nations. This situation, according to Duffy, favors Mexican airlines over American competitors. With a significant travel volume, as over 40 million Americans flew to Mexico last year, the stakes are high.
Duffy criticized the current administration, stating, “Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg allowed Mexico to violate our aviation agreement, but that changes now. This serves as a warning to any country that might exploit the United States and its airlines. America First means standing firm on fairness.”
In light of these new restrictions, Mexican airlines will now need to submit their flight schedules to the Transportation Department for approval until the U.S. is assured of fair treatment for its airlines.
Although the full impact of these actions on broader trade relations and ongoing negotiations regarding tariffs remains uncertain, the Mexican government has not yet publicly commented on the situation.
The partnership between Delta and Aeromexico has been under scrutiny since last year, with the airlines expressing their concerns about the potential fallout from the government’s decision to end their agreement. They argue that the termination could threaten many routes and significantly diminish economic ties, affecting tourism and job creation.
Delta stated that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s proposal could lead to hardships for travelers and communities on both sides of the border. Aeromexico has indicated it is reviewing the situation and plans to respond jointly with Delta soon.
The final decision on this agreement will not take effect until October, leaving ample time for the airlines to continue their advocacy against the proposed changes. They previously highlighted that losing direct flight options could dissuade thousands of tourists from each country, undermining both economies.
