In a significant escalation of aviation tensions, the U.S. Department of Transportation has revoked approval for 13 routes operated by Mexican airlines into the United States and entirely canceled combined passenger and cargo services from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport. This decisive action, spearheaded by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is a direct response to what the U.S. terms Mexico’s “illegal cancellation and freezing” of U.S. carrier flights since 2022, signaling a firm stance against non-compliance with bilateral aviation agreements and ongoing competition issues.
The U.S. aviation landscape saw a dramatic shift on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, as the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the revocation of approval for 13 routes by Mexican carriers entering the United States. This move goes further, canceling all combined passenger and cargo flights operated by Mexican airlines from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) to the U.S. The implications for international travel and cross-border commerce are substantial, impacting thousands of passengers and the operational strategies of major airlines.
The Immediate Impact: Routes Grounded and Services Frozen
Secretary Sean Duffy’s order specifically targets several key routes and airlines, effectively freezing growth and curtailing existing services. The revoked routes and cancellations are a direct consequence of what the U.S. alleges is Mexico’s long-standing failure to honor its commitments under a bilateral aviation agreement.
The immediate actions include:
- Cancellation of current or planned flights by Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus.
- Freezing the growth of these carriers’ combined passenger and cargo services, commonly known as “belly cargo,” between the United States and Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), Mexico City’s older and primary airport.
- A proposed prohibition on Mexican passenger airlines from transporting belly cargo between Juarez and the United States, set to take effect in approximately three months if finalized.
The disapproved flights span crucial travel corridors, affecting multiple U.S. cities. Key routes impacted are:
- Aeromexico: Mexico City Juarez to San Juan; Felipe Angeles to Houston and McAllen, Texas.
- Volaris: Juarez to Newark, New Jersey.
- Viva Aerobus (proposed services): Felipe Angeles to Austin, New York, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando.
The Department of Transportation has warned that this continued non-compliance “may impact travel plans for American citizens,” advising passengers to contact their carriers for specific re-accommodation information, as reported by Reuters.
The Core Grievance: Mexico’s Alleged Non-Compliance Since 2022
At the heart of this dispute is Mexico’s alleged failure to comply with a bilateral aviation agreement, a situation the U.S. DOT states has persisted since 2022. During that time, Mexico reportedly rescinded U.S. passenger carriers’ slots and compelled U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate their operations.
Secretary Duffy minced no words, stating, “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.” This strong language underscores the U.S. commitment to enforcing international aviation pacts and ensuring fair competition for its airlines.
As of the immediate announcement, Mexico’s transportation ministry, Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus have not provided an immediate response to the U.S. actions, leaving many questions about the diplomatic and operational next steps unanswered. Further details on the specific violations and communications between the two nations can often be found in official statements from the U.S. Department of Transportation itself, highlighting the critical nature of these international agreements.
A Pattern of Pressure: Previous US Actions Against Mexican Aviation
This latest move by the U.S. DOT is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a series of actions aimed at addressing perceived competitive imbalances and non-compliance within Mexican aviation. Just last month, the Transportation Department took another significant step by ordering Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind their long-standing joint venture. This partnership allowed the carriers to coordinate scheduling, pricing, and capacity for U.S.-Mexico flights.
The department’s rationale for ending the joint venture, which began in August, was rooted in “ongoing anticompetitive effects in U.S.-Mexico City markets that provide an unfair advantage to Delta and Aeromexico.” Prior to this, the U.S. had also instructed Mexican carriers to file their flight schedules, indicating a heightened scrutiny of their operations.
Beyond the U.S.-Mexico corridor, Secretary Duffy has demonstrated a broader commitment to enforcing international agreements. Last month, he issued a warning to European governments regarding the imposition of unilateral restrictions on transatlantic travel. This consistent stance emphasizes Washington’s readiness to leverage its regulatory power to protect its carriers and market interests globally.
Broader Implications: Travel Disruptions and International Precedent
The grounding of these routes and the broader actions against Mexican carriers are expected to have a tangible impact on travel between the two nations. For American citizens planning flights to and from Mexico, particularly those involving Mexico City, disruptions are highly probable. Passengers are strongly advised to maintain close contact with their respective airlines for the most current information regarding their itineraries and any potential re-accommodation options.
This dispute also sets a notable international precedent. The U.S. government’s firm response to what it views as a breach of a bilateral aviation agreement sends a clear message about the consequences of non-compliance. It underscores the importance of such agreements in maintaining a stable and equitable global aviation market. The actions could prompt other nations to review their own aviation agreements and compliance mechanisms, ensuring transparency and fairness across international air travel corridors.
What’s Next for Travelers and Airlines?
The immediate future holds uncertainty for travelers and airlines alike. Passengers on affected routes will need to navigate cancellations and schedule changes, potentially facing increased prices or limited options. For Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus, these restrictions represent a significant operational and financial challenge, forcing them to re-evaluate their strategies for the lucrative U.S.-Mexico market.
The situation highlights the complex interplay of competition, compliance, and international diplomacy in modern air travel. As the U.S. continues to press for adherence to agreements, the resolution of this high-stakes air war will undoubtedly shape the future of aviation relations between these two closely connected nations.
