Mexico Pushes US Talks After DOT Revokes 13 Flight Permits

Mexico’s business and tourism sectors are urging the federal government to engage in open dialogue with US authorities following the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to revoke 13 flight permits for Mexican carriers — 11 from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and two from Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

“What we are asking from the government is to maintain communication and a constructive dialogue with the US government so we can work toward an arrangement that benefits everyone,” said Antonio Cosío, President, National Tourism Business Council (CNET).

Cosío noted that many of the affected flights had not yet begun operations, but the measure “could impact the future growth of flights to the United States.” He confirmed that representatives from Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva would meet with President Claudia Sheinbaum to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions. “We are working closely with the airlines to prevent negative impacts on the expansion of their US operations,” he said.

According to CNET, the government could allow US cargo carriers to continue operating from AICM during non-peak hours. “Authorization has already been granted for international and domestic cargo carriers to operate at off-peak times,” Cosío explained, citing the National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO). He added that “the number of slots will soon increase slightly to provide more capacity,” and previously removed slots for international airlines “are being reinstated so they can resume operations.”

CNET supports CANAERO’s position that restoring cargo flexibility at AICM could help ease the dispute. “The government is acting responsibly by addressing the impacts at Mexico City International Airport while avoiding oversaturation,” Cosío said.

President Sheinbaum reiterated that the former decision to transfer cargo flights to AIFA “was based on civil protection and user safety criteria, not politics.”