Top Global Economy Halts 13 Flight Routes to This Country
This weekend, over a dozen cross-border air routes between the United States and Mexico have been suspended due to a directive from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This suspension targets what the DOT refers to as “unfair aviation practices” by Mexico.
The order affects 13 crucial flight services operated by Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus, significantly disrupting numerous travel connections between the U.S. and Mexico City. Thousands of travelers will feel the impact of this decision.
US Halts 13 Air Routes to Mexico
The DOT’s action represents a significant change in U.S.-Mexico aviation relations, particularly since the signing of the 2015 Open Skies Air Transport Agreement. This agreement was designed to give airlines the freedom to set routes, capacities, and prices free from government oversight.
However, tensions have been escalating as U.S. officials claim that Mexico has been giving preferential treatment to its own airlines while limiting access for American carriers at major airports like Benito Juárez International Airport and Felipe Ángeles International Airport.
The suspension chiefly targets Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus, demanding the cancellation of these routes by November 7, 2025. The DOT cites breaches of competition laws and unfair allocation of airport slots at Mexico City’s primary terminals.
Furthermore, operations from Felipe Ángeles International Airport to any U.S. locations are also banned for Mexican airlines, essentially closing off this route.
The U.S. government holds that the collaboration of these airlines, particularly in partnership with Delta Air Lines, undermines fair competition, resulting in a 60% market share for U.S.-Mexico City flights.
Legal Rambles Between Airlines and the US Government
Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico are attempting to postpone the suspension, arguing that ending their cooperation would result in substantial financial setbacks for both carriers.\p>
Nevertheless, the DOT deems that restoring competition is more important than the financial interests of these airlines.
The conflict originated in 2022, when U.S. airlines accused Mexico of breaking the Open Skies Agreement after some flight slots were canceled at Mexico City International Airport.
The U.S. government had initially downgraded Mexico’s aviation safety rating but reinstated it in 2023.
Impact on Travelers and Airlines
Passengers whose flights are impacted will experience significant disruptions, with the DOT confirming that they are eligible for full refunds or rebooking alternatives.
Despite major U.S. carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines continuing to operate flights to Mexico City, ticket prices are expected to increase as low-cost options vanish.
Viva Aerobus, which is heavily affected by the cuts, acknowledged that this will impact thousands of its customers. The airline called for a productive dialogue between the U.S. and Mexican governments to mitigate the situation.
In response to the U.S. action, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum raised concerns about the potential negative effects on bilateral travel and trade, expressing a desire to engage with both domestic airlines and the U.S. Secretary of State for a fair resolution.
Complete List of Canceled Routes
Aeroméxico:
- Mexico City (Benito Juárez International Airport, MEX) to San Juan, Puerto Rico (Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, SJU)
- Mexico City (Felipe Ángeles International Airport, NLU) to Houston (George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH)
- Mexico City (NLU) to McAllen International Airport (MFE)
Volaris:
- Mexico City (MEX) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Viva Aerobus:
- Mexico City (NLU) to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
- Mexico City (NLU) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Mexico City (NLU) to O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Mexico City (NLU) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Mexico City (NLU) to Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Mexico City (NLU) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Mexico City (NLU) to Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Mexico City (NLU) to Orlando International Airport (MCO)
General Suspension:
- All passenger and cargo flights by Mexican carriers from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) to any U.S. destination.
Future of Bilateral Air Travel
Experts predict that this dispute may lead to increased fares and fewer available seats during peak travel seasons.
If the DOT does not modify its order, airlines might find themselves needing to reroute through Benito Juárez International Airport or cut down on their U.S.-Mexico flight frequency.
Both governments appear open to future discussions, though a timeline for such talks has not yet been established. In the meantime, travelers should check their booking status directly with airlines and follow official updates from the DOT and Mexico’s civil aviation authority.
