American authorities take steps to limit Mexican airlines' cargo operations and competition, prompting worries and opposition.
In a significant move, the U.S. government, led by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, has taken decisive action against Mexico for alleged breaches of the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement. The dispute revolves around Mexico's forced relocation of flights, including cargo operations, from Mexico City's main airport to Felipe Ángeles International Airport, and reductions in flight slots at the former, which the U.S. argues breach the "open skies" accord.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a series of countermeasures from July 19, 2025. These include reviewing Mexican carriers’ flight schedules for compliance with U.S. laws, banning Mexican charter flights into the U.S., and considering the withdrawal of antitrust immunity for the Aeromexico-Delta joint venture. The DOT asserts that Mexico has not complied since 2022, leading U.S. airlines and businesses to face increased costs and competitive disadvantages.
Cargo airlines in the U.S. have welcomed these sanctions, viewing them as necessary to protect their rights and market access under the agreement. The Cargo Airline Association, a key player in this context, has expressed support for the U.S. government's efforts to uphold international agreements and maintain competitive freedoms essential for global trade.
However, the Association has not explicitly commented on the DOT's measures to address the challenges and ensure fair competition in the U.S.-Mexico air transport market. It has also expressed concerns that the U.S. government's actions could set a dangerous precedent and erode the principles of the U.S. Open Skies framework.
The DOT's actions follow the U.S. government's concerns over similar unilateral actions by European countries, such as the Netherlands' decision to reduce slots at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The Association has not mentioned any potential consequences or implications of the DOT's actions for these concerns.
The Cargo Airline Association's stance on specific DOT measures, such as the banning of Mexican charter flights or the potential withdrawal of antitrust immunity, remains unclear from the provided information. The Association has, however, stated that the U.S. actions send a "clear and necessary message" against anti-competitive behaviour that harms American businesses.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the U.S. is taking a firm stance against perceived violations of the bilateral air transport agreement, marking a significant escalation in the dispute and regulatory consequences for Mexican carriers in the U.S. market.
- The Cargo Airline Association supports the U.S. government's efforts in upholding international agreements, such as the US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, as they are essential for maintaining competitive freedoms vital for global trade.
- The DOT's countermeasures against Mexico's alleged breaches of the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, including the banning of Mexican charter flights and the potential withdrawal of antitrust immunity, can impact general-news, industry, finance, and business sectors, especially air cargo.
- The Association has voiced concerns that the U.S. government's actions against Mexico could set a dangerous precedent and possibly erode the principles of the US Open Skies framework, which may have wider implications for industry, politics, and general-news.
