US Cancels Flights to Mexico City Airport Amidst Growing Dispute with López Obrador Government
Mexico city – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed strong disagreement with a recent decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation to cancel 13 air routes and flights to Mexico City’s benito Juárez International Airport (AICM). The move escalates tensions stemming from a February 2, 2023, decree by the López Obrador governance prohibiting all cargo operations at AICM, prompting some operators to relocate to Felipe Ángeles International Airport.
Sheinbaum stated she has instructed her chancellor to contact U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to request a meeting-including the U.S. secretary of Transportation-to discuss the matter.”To review whether these actions, which, from our perspective, have no basis, are justified, since they are being taken unilaterally,” she said.
The U.S. Department of Transportation argues the Mexican government’s actions are inconsistent with bilateral obligations outlined in agreements signed in 2015 and are detrimental to American airlines. The cancellation impacts current and future plans for aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobús, and freezes growth of combined passenger and cargo services between the U.S. and AICM.
According to a notification from the Department of Transportation, its “main objective is not to perpetuate or escalate this situation, but to achieve a better habitat in which all operators in both countries can fully exercise their bilateral rights.” The department indicated it is willing to reconsider the measure if Mexico meets its commitments.
CNN has reached out to the affected airlines and the Mexican government for comment and is awaiting a response.
