IATA Calls on Mexico and US to Save Aviation Pact

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on the governments of Mexico and the United States to engage in dialogue to resolve their ongoing air service dispute, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the bilateral agreement vital to the aviation industry.

“The aviation market between these countries is one of the largest in the world and a key driver for both economies. We expect meetings aimed at finding balanced and constructive solutions,” said Peter Cerdá, IATA’s regional vice president for the Americas.

IATA highlighted that the aviation value chain between Mexico and the United States contributes US$88.3 billion to Mexico’s GDP and supports 1.8 million jobs. The sector directly employs over 200,000 people in Mexico and generates US$33.3 billion in revenue.

Cerdá noted ongoing discussions with Mexican authorities to promote adherence to the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines (WASG), which are globally accepted. “This work remains a priority, as several airports in the country—especially Mexico City International Airport (AICM)—continue to face capacity constraints,” he added.

The dispute escalated when US Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy stated that Mexico has not complied with the bilateral agreement since 2022, after abruptly rescinding AICM slots and requiring US cargo airlines to move operations to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).

Duffy also proposed removing antitrust immunity for the Aeroméxico-Delta Air Lines alliance and requiring Mexican carriers to submit all US-bound flight schedules for prior approval.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged complaints from some US companies about the short notice of the cargo shift to AIFA but noted that most have agreed with the move. “More than a year has passed, and companies have adjusted to this new circumstance, which benefits everyone by moving sensitive cargo to AIFA,” she said.