Mexico to Return US Flight Slots After DOT Talks: Aero Week

Mexico agreed to return flight slots to US airlines following talks with the US Department of Transportation (DOT), aiming to ease tensions stemming from reduced operations at Mexico City International Airport (AICM). After the DOT revoked 13 routes between both countries — affecting AIFA and halting further expansion at AICM — Mexico’s Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) reaffirmed its compliance with US aviation standards and commitment to operational safety.

International air arrivals to Mexico fell 2.3% to 15.5 million between January and August 2025. The US travel downturn deepened amid new DOT measures and Donald Trump’s second term, reducing inbound passenger traffic by 98,000 travelers. 

In the US, major carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines urged Congress to end the month-long government shutdown disrupting air traffic operations. Flight chaos grew after two United aircraft collided at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Globally, 16.85% of Airbus A220s remain grounded due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues, and Airbus has postponed A220 production to 2026 as supply chain constraints persist.

More news below:

Nearly 17% of Airbus A220 Fleet Grounded Over Engine Issues

Almost one-fifth of the global Airbus A220 fleet remains grounded due to ongoing issues with Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan (GTF) engines, according to data from ch-aviation. As of early November, 76 out of 451 A220 aircraft are inactive, representing 16.85% of the fleet. RTX, parent company of Pratt & Whitney, confirmed that 7% of the A220 aircraft are grounded directly due to engine-related problems.

ProEnergy Converts Boeing 747 Engines to Power AI Data Centers

The rapid expansion of AI is placing unprecedented strain on global power grids, particularly for data centers. To address the urgent energy needs, US-based ProEnergy has developed an innovative solution: repurposing retired jet engines into high-capacity power generators. The approach allows operators to deploy electricity at scale more quickly than conventional power plants.

US Measures Hits Air Travel to Mexico

Donald Trump’s second term as US president has contributed to a downturn in Mexico’s inbound air travel market, with passenger traffic from the United States declining 0.2% in the first nine months of 2025, equivalent to 98,000 fewer travelers, according to data from the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). This contraction coincides with new US DOT measures revoking 13 routes operated by Mexican airlines, a decision that industry leaders and officials warn could further strain cross-border connectivity and reduce Mexico’s tourist inflow by more than 200,000 passengers during the upcoming winter season.

Mexico Strengthens Aerospace Ties Ahead of USMCA Review

The Mexican aerospace industry is strengthening regional integration efforts ahead of the 2026 review of the USMCA, said Alejandro Cardona Seemann, President, Safran Mexico. He says that the sector expects the working groups led by the Ministry of Economy (SE) to conclude in November, with a “position paper” summarizing their recommendations ready by December. 

Mexico’s Auto, Aerospace Sectors Hurt by Tariffs and Talent Gaps

Mexico’s automotive and aerospace industries are undergoing major adjustments due to new US tariffs and shifting trade conditions. Between January and September 2025, light vehicle exports fell 0.9%, according to INEGI, while aerospace sector growth slowed to 9%, below post-pandemic averages, according to FEMIA. Tariffs of 25% on vehicles and parts with non-US content and 50% on steel and aluminum are reshaping cost structures and forcing companies to rethink supply chains and production strategies.

Mexico to Return Flight Slots to US Airlines After DOT Talks

The Mexican government has committed to returning flight slots confiscated from US airlines following talks with the US DOT, according to an official statement released on Oct. 28. The agreement marks a step toward easing tensions that arose after Mexico reduced flight operations at AICM to 44 per hour under a presidential decree.

Mexico Air Arrivals Fall 2.3% as Outbound Travel Hits Record

Mexico saw a 2.3% decrease in international air arrivals between January and August 2025, welcoming 15.5 million visitors by air out of a total 31.5 million tourists, according to Francisco Madrid Flores, Director, Sustainable Tourism Advanced Research Center (STARC).

Major US Carriers Call on Congress to Resolve Aviation Shutdown

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines are jointly pressing Congress to resolve a government shutdown that has lasted nearly a month, citing operational disruptions and unpaid federal aviation personnel. The carriers are calling for the immediate passage of a short-term funding bill to restore pay for air traffic controllers and other essential workers.

LaGuardia Collision Adds to Flight Chaos Amid US Shutdown

Two United Airlines planes collided on the tarmac at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, prompting flight cancellations and adding to widespread delays across the city’s airports amid an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers caused by the federal government shutdown.

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 DOT’s decision to revoke 13 flight permits for Mexican carriers — 11 from AIFA and two from AICM.

AIFA Faces Setback After US Revokes 13 Mexico–US Routes

The US government’s suspension of 13 current and planned routes between Mexico and the United States is directly affecting AIFA. The order cancels all passenger and cargo services between the US and AIFA and restricts flight expansion at AICM.

Airbus Delays A220 Production Amid Supply Chain Challenges

Airbus has delayed assembly of several A220 aircraft scheduled for 2025 and 2026 due to ongoing supply constraints, narrowing the window for achieving its previously stated goal of producing 14 A220 jets per month in 2026, according to Reuters. While Airbus maintains its official guidance, internal planning suggests the 14-per-month rate may not be reached until December 2026, leaving little room for further disruption.

Mexico’s SICT Defends AICM Cargo Plan Under US Rules

Mexico’s SICT reaffirmed its commitment to aviation safety and operational integrity following the DOT’s decision to restrict 13 routes from AICM and AIFA.