The United States has lifted restrictions on Mexican airlines after the two nations reached an agreement to resolve a dispute over airport access and air transport operations. The US Department of Transportation announced the immediate revocation of measures that had been imposed last year due to alleged violations of the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement. These restrictions had led to the cancellation of 13 routes and limited operations at Mexico’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
The conflict emerged when Mexico altered airport slot allocations for US airlines and required cargo operators to transfer their operations from Mexico City International Airport to AIFA. US officials argued that these actions breached the bilateral agreement and increased costs for American companies. In response, negotiations between the two countries intensified, culminating in a May agreement where Mexico promised to ensure fair access to operating slots for US airlines at Mexico City International Airport.
Mexican authorities have expressed approval of the US decision, viewing it as a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity and expanding flight routes and frequencies between the US and Mexico. The removal of these restrictions is expected to open up opportunities for airlines to develop new services connecting Mexico City International Airport and AIFA to the US market.
The resolution of this dispute marks a positive development in US-Mexico aviation relations, potentially benefiting both countries’ airlines by enabling more efficient and extensive air transport options. This agreement is likely to foster greater cooperation and mutual benefits in the aviation sector as both nations continue to build on their bilateral air transport agreement.