Aeroméxico to Boost US Capacity With Larger Jets in 2026

Aeroméxico plans to deploy larger aircraft on its routes from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to the United States in 2026, a move driven by current restrictions that prevent Mexican airlines from adding new frequencies or routes from the airport. CEO Andrés Conesa Labastida said the airline will increase capacity by replacing smaller aircraft with higher-density models rather than expanding its network. 

“We are not affected  at the moment because we deployed a significant amount of capacity to the United States in 2023 and 2024,” Conesa said. He explained that the strategy for 2026 is “to increase density—for example, instead of using an Embraer E190, to deploy a Boeing 737 MAX, which is larger—in markets such as New York, Miami, Houston and Dallas.”

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) announced in late October that it would not authorize new routes or additional frequencies for Mexican carriers operating from AICM. The measure remains in force while broader aviation issues between the two governments are under review. Conesa said the DOT’s threat to terminate Aeroméxico’s joint venture with Delta Air Lines stems from unresolved issues “between the governments” of Mexico and the United States, rather than from noncompliance by the airlines themselves.

A US court has since suspended the DOT order, preventing the dissolution of the joint venture on Jan. 1 as originally scheduled.

Conesa added that Aeroméxico’s network is sufficiently complementary to allow the airline to operate independently should the joint venture ultimately be terminated. He said the only outstanding issue in bilateral aviation talks relates to dedicated cargo operations, referencing the DOT’s claim that US airlines were harmed after Mexico ordered all cargo flights to relocate to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). According to Conesa, other previously disputed matters have already been resolved, including the return of AICM slots to US carriers and reforms to the slot-allocation process at Mexico’s congested airports.

The CEO also addressed Aeroméxico’s return to the Mexican and New York stock exchanges, describing the listing as the conclusion of a multiyear restructuring process that began during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was a long process since Chapter 11. It has been almost five years, but we are very pleased because this closes the restructuring chapter with a dual listing in Mexico and New York,” Conesa said. “Now a new stage begins.”