U.S. Revokes 13 Mexican Airline Routes, Freezes Flights Over Bilateral Dispute

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has revoked approval for 13 flight routes operated by Mexican airlines and canceled all combined passenger and cargo services from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport to the United States. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision, accusing Mexico of “illegally canceling and freezing U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences.”

The move affects major Mexican carriers including Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus. The DOT also froze growth of “belly cargo” operations—passenger flights that carry cargo in their holds—between the United States and Mexico City’s primary Benito Juarez International Airport. Duffy is additionally proposing a ban on Mexican airlines transporting belly cargo between Juarez and the U.S., expected to take effect within three months if finalized.

According to the DOT, Mexico has been in violation of the bilateral aviation agreement since 2022, when it revoked U.S. carrier slots and forced American cargo airlines to relocate. The U.S. government said these violations “may impact travel plans for American citizens,” urging passengers to contact airlines for rebooking details.

The affected routes include Aeromexico’s services between Mexico City and Houston, McAllen, and San Juan; Volaris’s Mexico City–Newark route; and Viva Aerobus’s proposed flights from Felipe Angeles Airport to major U.S. cities including Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Chicago, and Orlando.

This action follows the DOT’s recent order for Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to dissolve their joint venture, citing “anticompetitive effects” in the U.S.–Mexico City market. Duffy emphasized that the U.S. will continue enforcing international aviation agreements, warning that no country will be allowed to exploit American carriers or passengers without consequences.