The U.S. Department of Transportation has imposed new restrictions on all mexican airlines, requiring them to submit flight schedules for government approval. This move comes as a response to perceived unfair treatment of U.S. airlines by Mexico, with the U.S. seeking to ensure equitable practices.
The decision by the Transportation Department,led by administrator Billy Nolen (acting),is aimed at addressing ongoing disputes concerning the partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. The U.S. has been seeking to end the airlines’ alliance, which began in 2016, arguing that Mexico’s actions have created an uneven playing field.
Delta and Aeromexico have contested the U.S. government’s efforts to dissolve their partnership, asserting that they should not be penalized for the Mexican government’s policies.The airlines have warned that terminating their agreement could disrupt approximately two dozen routes and result in an estimated $800 million loss in economic benefits for both countries, impacting tourism and employment.
In a statement, Delta expressed concern that the proposed termination of its partnership with Aeromexico would negatively affect consumers traveling between the U.S. and mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition.
aeromexico’s press office indicated that it was reviewing the order and planned to issue a joint response with Delta. The order to terminate approval of the airlines’ agreement is not set to take effect until October, and both carriers are expected to continue challenging the decision.
Previously, the airlines had argued in filings that the cessation of direct flights could deter over 140,000 American tourists and nearly 90,000 Mexican tourists from visiting the respective countries, thereby harming the economies of both nations through reduced spending.
The implications of these actions on the broader trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, including ongoing negotiations over tariffs, remain unclear. A spokesperson for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the President did not address the new restrictions during her public appearances on Saturday.
Associated Press writer Amaranta Marentes in Mexico City contributed to this report.