The United States has removed restrictions on Mexican airlines following a resolution of a dispute concerning airport access and air transport operations. This decision by the US Department of Transportation marks an end to measures imposed last year due to alleged breaches of the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries.
The restrictions led to the cancellation of 13 routes and placed limitations on operations related to Mexico’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The conflict arose after Mexico altered airport slot allocations for US airlines and mandated that cargo operators relocate their activities from Mexico City International Airport to AIFA. The US argued that these changes violated the existing bilateral agreement and increased costs for American companies.
Intense negotiations over recent months culminated in a May agreement where Mexico pledged to ensure US airlines have equitable access to operating slots at Mexico City International Airport. This agreement paved the way for the lifting of restrictions, which had been a point of contention between the two nations.
Mexican officials have welcomed the US’s decision, viewing it as a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity and expanding flight routes and frequencies between Mexico and the United States. The removal of these restrictions is expected to open up new opportunities for airlines to expand services from both Mexico City International Airport and AIFA to various destinations within the US market.