Analysis of the Decision of the US Department of Transportation
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a formal resolution this Tuesday, through which it revoked the authorization for thirteen air routes, both operational and projected, that connected Mexican territory with the United States. This administrative determination constitutes a direct retaliatory measure, based on the alleged violation by Mexico of the bilateral Air Transport Agreement signed in 2015. The US Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, was in charge of communicating the decision, which introduces a new layer of complexity in commercial and aviation relations between the two nations.
The DOT’s central argument is based on a specific complaint: the Mexican administration, according to Duffy, “illegally canceled and frozen the flights of a US airline for a three-year period without any consequences.” This action, interpreted as a violation of the terms of the treaty, activated the response mechanism that now takes the form of the suspension of permits. The order issued not only affects existing routes, but also imposes an immediate freeze for any new route or expansion of frequencies by Mexican airlines operating from the Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM).
Operational Impact and Immediate Consequences
A detailed examination of the order reveals the significant scope of the measure. The resolution suspends all combined passenger services between the United States and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). Among the air services affected are Aeroméxico operations that link AIFA with the cities of Houston and McAllen. Likewise, the approval for Volaris service between Mexico City (AICM) and Newark is revoked. The airline Viva Aerobus is particularly impacted, with the revocation of multiple planned routes from AIFA to key destinations such as Austin, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando.
Additionally, the DOT has proposed a complementary measure that would prohibit Mexican passenger airlines from transporting belly cargo on routes to the United States. This proposal, if ratified in the regulatory process, would come into force within approximately ninety days, adding another layer of economic pressure on airline operations.
Political Context and Legal Framework
Secretary Duffy’s statements place the decision in a broader political framework. In his statement, he made an explicit criticism of the previous administration, stating that “Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg were too weak to stand up to Mexico when they trampled our bilateral aviation agreement.” This narrative seeks to frame the current action as part of a policy of firmness in the application of international agreements under the administration of President Donald Trump. Duffy emphasized that “these agreements are binding and, like our trade agreements, President Donald Trump is going to put America first and enforce them.”
The underlying complaints include, in addition to the specific case of the unnamed airline, the restrictions imposed on slots for US airlines at Mexican airports and the policy of forced relocation of all air cargo operations implemented since 2022. The Trump administration has presented this initiative as a coherent effort to enforce international aviation agreements and ensure fair and pro-competitive market conditions loyal The position is summed up in Duffy’s warning: “Until Mexico stops playing games and fulfills its commitments, we will continue to hold it accountable. No country should be able to take advantage of our airlines, our market and our passengers without suffering the consequences.”
This situation represents a turning point in bilateral aeronautical cooperation, with direct implications for connectivity, airline operating costs and travel options for passengers. Resolution of the conflict will most likely require high-level diplomatic negotiations to review the sticking points of the 2015 agreement and establish a new mutual understanding that preserves the principles of open skies and reciprocity.
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