Ex-Mexicana Workers Demand MX$400 Million Payment

Former employees of the defunct airline Mexicana de Aviación have threatened to stage protests at airports, government offices, and public events if the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum does not release a delayed payment of approximately MX$400 million (US$20 million). The funds correspond to the second distribution of proceeds generated from the sale of the airline’s assets and brand to the Mexican government, which subsequently revived the carrier as a state-owned airline under the Mexicana name.

The dispute originates from an MX$814 million (US$47.09 million) acquisition agreement reached during the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The transaction enabled the government to acquire the Mexicana brand and remaining assets as part of the creation of Aerolínea del Estado Mexicano. Although a first payment of MX$407 million (US$23.54 million) was distributed to former employees, the remaining funds have been delayed by administrative procedures and unresolved legal matters. 

In an open letter obtained by El Financiero, former workers expressed frustration over a liquidation process that has remained unresolved for 15 years. They contrasted the continued delays in compensation with the resources allocated to the operation and expansion of the state-owned airline managed by the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA).

"We do not accept any more bureaucratic excuses or delaying tactics," the workers wrote. "The justice that was denied to us for political reasons for years must finally become a reality. If there are resources to sustain a state airline, there must also be resources to settle the historical debt owed to its former workers."

The group criticized reports suggesting that the second payment may not be completed until 2026, arguing that the prolonged delay continues to affect families that have spent more than a decade awaiting compensation.

"Today we watch, with frustration and indignation, as unfulfilled promises once again replace concrete action," the letter stated. "The so-called second distribution has become another political illusion while our families continue waiting for justice. Meanwhile, the new state airline promotes routes, discounts, and expansion plans, yet the resources owed to former employees remain undelivered."

The workers also questioned the priorities of the federal government's aviation policy, highlighting what they described as a contradiction between financing a new airline and failing to resolve longstanding labor obligations tied to its predecessor.

"We are told the second payment could arrive in 2026. That is unacceptable. We cannot wait another year," the group said. "The government found resources to acquire aircraft, operate Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), and sustain the airline, but it has not resolved its commitment to those who dedicated their careers to the company. The continued delay is unjust and unnecessary."

The coalition concluded its statement by demanding the immediate release of the remaining MX$400 million (US$20 million) and warned that demonstrations could intensify if the federal government does not resolve the administrative and legal obstacles preventing the disbursement of the funds.