U.S. Issues Stern Warning Over Mexico Flight Dispute

Clear Facts

• The U.S. Department of Transportation has accused Mexico of violating the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.
• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that the U.S. might deny flights from Mexico if corrective actions are not taken.
• The DOT has proposed actions that could impact Mexican airlines and the Delta/Aeromexico partnership.

In a bold move, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has issued a stern warning to Mexico, accusing the country of breaching the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement. This agreement was initially designed to boost trade and travel between the two nations, with the expectation of fostering economic growth in sectors like tourism and manufacturing.

Duffy’s statement was clear and direct:

“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement. That ends today. 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.”

The Department of Transportation (DOT) highlighted that since 2022, Mexico has been non-compliant with the agreement. This non-compliance allegedly began when Mexico “abruptly rescinded slots and then forced U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate operations,” affecting major U.S. carriers such as Delta, American, and United.

Mexico justified these actions by citing the need to ease congestion and facilitate construction at the Benito Juarez International Airport. However, the DOT pointed out that the promised construction has not commenced even after three years.

The DOT accused Mexico of breaking its promise, which has led to market disruptions and increased costs for American businesses. In response, the U.S. has outlined three actions under the “America First” initiative.

Firstly, Mexican airlines will be required to file their schedules with the DOT for all U.S. operations. Secondly, the DOT will need to approve any large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights to or from the United States.

“The Department reserves the right to disapprove flight requests from Mexico should the country fail to take corrective action,” the statement warned.

Lastly, the DOT has proposed a supplemental show cause order that could potentially withdraw the antitrust immunity of the Delta/Aeromexico joint venture. Delta responded to this proposal, expressing 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.”

Delta also mentioned they are reviewing the DOT’s orders and are eager to collaborate with the administration to address any issues.

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