Trump Administration Aims to Disrupt Mexican Aviation and Airline Partnerships
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed new enforcement measures on Mexico due to alleged violations of the 2015 U.S.-Mexico bilateral aviation agreement. These measures, announced on July 20, 2025, could significantly impact the travel industry, particularly the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico.
The DOT's actions require Mexican airlines to submit flight schedules for advance review before operating U.S. flights. The department may also deny approval of new flight requests or charters, especially large passenger or cargo charter flights. Moreover, the DOT is reviewing the antitrust immunity status of the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture, signalling a possible end to this cooperative immunity.
These actions reflect a "America First" stance by Secretary Sean P. Duffy, targeting what the U.S. regards as Mexico’s anti-competitive practices and disregard of the bilateral agreement. The U.S. argues that Mexico violated the agreement with its 2023 decision to relocate all cargo operations from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), disrupting U.S. carriers' operations and altering slot allocations without adequate consultation.
Mexican officials defend the changes as necessary to address congestion at MEX and modernize infrastructure. However, no flights have been suspended yet, and Mexico has not received a formal trade complaint, leaving the situation precarious and subject to further developments.
Critics warn that the measures could disrupt travel for over 40 million passengers annually and deepen the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and Mexico. The restrictions, set to take full effect in October, impact Mexican carriers and threaten to dissolve the partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico.
Both governments are under pressure to resolve the aviation disputes. President Claudia Sheinbaum has not publicly addressed the restrictions, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | U.S. policy action | Requires schedule review, limits new flight approvals, reviews antitrust immunity between Delta & Aeromexico | | Basis for U.S. action | Mexico’s 2023 cargo relocation and slot rescindment, violating bilateral agreement | | Impact on Delta & Aeromexico | Potential loss of antitrust immunity, jeopardizing joint venture benefits | | Mexico’s stance | Defends airport changes as necessary infrastructure improvements, denies wrongdoing | | Current status | No flight suspensions yet; restrictions are procedural but may escalate based on Mexico’s response |
These developments reflect heightened tensions and a critical juncture in U.S.-Mexico aviation relations as of mid-2025. The situation remains fluid, with both governments under pressure to find a resolution before the restrictions take full effect in October.
Corporate entities, such as Delta Air Lines, could face significant changes due to the U.S.'s escalating politics with Mexico, as the new enforcement measures may jeopardize the partnership between Delta and Aeromexico. General-news outlets have reported on the potential lifestyle implications for the millions of travelers who may be affected by the restrictions set to take effect in October. The U.S.'s increased focus on trade agreements and allegations of Mexico's violations could serve as a precedent for future corporate negotiations and international partnerships.
