On July 20, 2025, the Trump administration announced sweeping restrictions on flights from Mexico, escalating tensions over aviation policies and trade agreements. The move directly impacts Mexican carriers and threatens to dissolve the longstanding partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, a joint venture established in 2016.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that Mexico violated the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement by forcing airlines to relocate operations from Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City to the more remote Felipe Ángeles International Airport, over 30 miles away. U.S. officials argue this shift unfairly favors Mexican domestic airlines and disrupts international competition.
Under the new measures, all Mexican passenger, cargo, and charter airlines must submit flight schedules to the U.S. Department of Transportation and obtain approval before operating in the U.S. These restrictions will remain until Mexico is deemed compliant with fair aviation practices.
The administration also issued a tentative order to revoke antitrust immunity for the Delta-Aeromexico alliance, which could jeopardize nearly two dozen routes and an estimated $800 million in economic benefits tied to tourism and jobs. Delta and Aeromexico have strongly opposed the move, arguing that punishing airlines for government decisions undermines consumer access and regional connectivity.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has not publicly addressed the restrictions, despite growing concern over their impact on bilateral relations and trade. Critics warn that the measures could deepen the ongoing trade dispute and disrupt travel for over 40 million passengers who fly between the U.S. and Mexico annually.
The situation remains fluid, with both governments under pressure to resolve aviation disputes before the restrictions take full effect in October.
Source: Travel Weekly
