Tensions between the United States and Mexico have now escalated to the skies, with the U.S. government making an unexpected decision that affects hundreds of flights between the two countries, leaving airlines, passengers, and cargo operations facing significant challenges that could impact the futures of entire economies.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new order on October 28, canceling all flights between the U.S. and Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), eliminating 13 existing and planned routes operated by some Mexican carriers.

In addition, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy is submitting a proposal to prohibit Mexican passenger airlines from transporting cargo between Mexico and the United States. If approved, the restrictions would take effect 108 business days after finalization. 

The move comes in response to Mexico’s 2022 decision to cancel some slots held by U.S. airlines, forcing them to relocate operations, which the Trump administration argues violates the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and fosters anti-competitive behavior.

“Until Mexico stops the games and honors its commitments, we will continue to hold them accountable. No country should be able to take advantage of our carriers, our market, and our flyers without repercussions,” said Duffy.

The DOT cancels all flights between the U.S. and Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), eliminating 13 existing and planned routes.

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13 routes canceled by the U.S. government, affecting Mexican airlines

Airline

Aeroméxico

Volaris

Viva Aerobus

From

Felipe Ángeles International

Mexico City International

Felipe Ángeles International Airport to

To

San Juan, Puerto Rico
Houston, Texas
McAllen, Texas

Newark, New Jersey

Austin, Dallas & Houston, Texas
Denver, Colorado
New York City, New York
Chicago, Illinois
Los Angeles, California
Miami & Orlando, Florida

Source:TheTravel.com

Mexico responds to U.S. airline restrictions

In a press conference on October 29, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her disagreement with the U.S. decision, revealing plans to meet with the affected airlines to discuss the issue.

Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) stated it would consult on the matter to ensure decisions benefit passengers and support sustainable airline growth.

Volaris posted a statement on X on October 28, noting that the airline is coordinating with SICT and other stakeholders to mitigate the effects on consumers. The company confirmed the decision would have minimal impact on its cargo operations due to limited involvement.

A few hours later, it put up another post stating that none of its current routes had been affected and that ticket sales and all routes would continue operating as usual.

That same day, Viva Aerobus issued a statement saying it was evaluating the impact this decision would have on its operations and clarified that all current flights remain unaffected, ensuring ticket sales and existing routes continue as planned.

As of October 30, flights on Aeroméxico’s and Volaris’ websites show no available bookings for the affected cities beginning November 7. Viva Aerobus still allows purchases for those dates and locations.

Duffy further criticized the previous U.S. administration, stating, “Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement. That ends today. Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the U.S., our carriers, and our market. America First means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness.”

Impact of the U.S. route revocations and NLU flight cancellations

Airlines

  • Three major low-cost Mexican carriers lose access to key U.S. routes, cutting revenue and growth plans.
  • Airlines must reassign aircraft and routes, affecting cargo operations.
  • U.S. carriers face reduced competition on Mexico routes.
  • Potential regulatory tensions or reciprocal measures from Mexico.

Customers

  • Fewer direct flights and higher fares due to reduced competition.
  • Disrupted travel plans with limited options from NLU to U.S. cities.
  • Decreased air cargo capacity, raising shipping costs and slowing deliveries.

Economy

  • Tourism and business travel decline in both countries.
  • Trade and supply chains face delays and higher costs.
  • Local economies around affected airports experience lost jobs and revenue.
  • Increased uncertainty in U.S.-Mexico aviation and trade relations.

Source:Travel and Tour World.

Mexico’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport: controversial history

Mexico City has two airports, Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), its main hub since 1931, and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), which opened in 2022.

The creation of NLU came after decades of congestion issues at MEX. A previous project in Texcoco, initiated under former President Enrique Peña Nieto in 2016, was halted by then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) in 2018.

AMLO used the Mexican government’s money to pay for the airport in full, destroyed the remaining construction, and ordered a commercial airport to be built next to Santa Lucia’s Air Force Base.

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The new airport faced immediate challenges, failing to meet requirements due to its location being a nearly two-hour drive from downtown Mexico, and its flight paths conflicted with those of MEX.

In 2021, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded both airports from Category 1 to Category 2, restricting their growth. The status was restored in 2023, but the airport’s history remains controversial.

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