US threatens Mexican flights over cargo, competition issues

r ^ | July 20, 202510:02 AM CDT | David Shepardson and Kylie Madry

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Summary

• US mandates Mexican air carriers to file flight schedules
• Secretary Duffy warns against exploiting US market
• Transportation Department criticizes Mexico for reducing airline competition

WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY, July 19 (Reuters) - The Trump administration said on Saturday it will take action against Mexico after the Mexican government cut flight slots and forced cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City, affecting U.S. airlines.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement the department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico if the government fails to address U.S. concerns over decisions made in 2022 and 2023.

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The Department of Transportation is also proposing to withdraw antitrust immunity from Delta Air Lines'

(DAL.N) joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive issues.

Mexico is the most popular international destination for U.S. airline travelers.

Delta said if the DOT withdraws approval, it "would cause significant harm to consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition."

Aeromexico said it was preparing a joint response to the order, which it plans to issue in the coming days.

MEXICO CITY SHAKE-UP

The DOT alleges Mexico has violated a bilateral air agreement by slashing slots for passenger flights and forcing all-cargo carriers to relocate operations.

Then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the decisions, arguing that the capital's main airport was too crowded and that the new, farther-away Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) could handle the extra traffic.

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Cartels hardest hit.