US Revokes Mexican Airlines’ Approval for 13 Routes
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has taken aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom over his disregard for English language regulations, emphasizing on “The Bottom Line” how the transportation department is navigating the ongoing government shutdown.
This week, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of Mexican Airlines’ approval for 13 routes connecting to the U.S. This follows a situation where Mexico allegedly canceled and halted U.S. carrier flights for three years without facing any repercussions.
According to the Department of Transportation, Duffy’s recent order limits “13 current or planned routes to the United States by Mexican airlines.” This action comes on the heels of a warning issued by Duffy to Mexico in July due to its flagrant negligence regarding national security and its ongoing anti-competitive behavior under a 2015 air transportation agreement.
“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg have not shown the strength to confront Mexico on our bilateral aviation agreements,” Duffy stated. “These agreements, like trade agreements, are supposed to be upheld. President Trump stands firmly with America First and will ensure their enforcement.” He reiterated, “We will keep holding Mexico accountable until they honor their commitments and end their unfair practices. No nation should take advantage of our airlines, markets, or travelers without facing consequences.”
The canceled routes include flights into airports serving Mexico City.
Continued Ground Stops and Flight Delays
Major U.S. airports are seeing interruptions in services and delays as the government shutdown drags on.
The affected routes are:
- Aeromexico flights between Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Volaris operations from Benito Juarez International Airport to Newark
- Viva Aerobus’ proposed routes from Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) to Austin, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando
- Aeromexico flights connecting Felipe Angeles International Airport with Houston and McAllen
The Department of Transportation acknowledged that these ongoing violations by the Mexican government could disrupt the travel arrangements of U.S. citizens and advised passengers to check with their airlines for rebooking options.
Additionally, Secretary Duffy is suggesting a ban on the transportation of berry cargo by Mexican passenger airlines between MEX and the U.S. This proposal is set to take effect 108 business days following the final decision.
Impact of a Government Shutdown
There have been notable cancellations, including an American Airlines departure, attributed to delays in runway approaches.
The Transportation Department elaborated, stating that Mexico has been unlawfully halting and canceling U.S. airline flights for three years, with no accountability during this period, while simultaneously expanding its own routes to the U.S.
“Mexico has not complied with our agreements since 2022, when it abruptly canceled slots for U.S. airlines and shifted all cargo carriers,” the department noted. The official stance was that this was a temporary measure to relieve congestion at Benito Juárez International Airport, though no changes have materialized after three years. The department argues that Mexico breached its promises, disrupted the market, and increased operational costs for U.S. companies.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her disagreement with the U.S. decision and plans to meet with Mexico’s foreign minister and Secretary Duffy to discuss the situation. She is optimistic that a resolution can be reached.
