Mexico Urged to Improve Aviation Controls Amid New Regulations

Mexico’s aviation sector is facing pressure to strengthen internal controls following a series of regulatory changes both domestically and from the United States. According to aviation law expert Alejandro Cobián Bustamante, interviewed by A21, these shifts require airlines to enhance compliance mechanisms to reduce exposure to criminal organizations and meet new legal obligations.

In July 2025, Mexico implemented reforms to the Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Illicit Resources (LFPIORPI). The changes require all commercial entities to identify their ultimate beneficiaries, increasing administrative responsibilities for airlines and mandating stricter customer and supplier verification. “It has a cost and administrative impact, but in the long term it protects companies and mitigates risks of doing business with criminal groups,” said Cobián.

Parallel to these domestic reforms, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced new rules in July requiring Mexican airlines to submit flight schedules in advance for approval, including non-scheduled charter flights. This poses operational challenges, particularly for cargo carriers. “Charter operations, especially in the cargo sector, are often requested from one day to the next. For perishable goods, three days is the limit,” Cobián noted.

In response, Aeronaves TSM filed for a 30-day extension in early August, arguing that a 10-day notification period makes it impossible to provide time-sensitive logistics services. US carriers are not subject to the same requirement when operating in Mexico, creating an asymmetry in competitive conditions. On average, charter permits in Mexico are granted within about five days.

Looking ahead, Cobián said capacity at Mexico City’s main airport (AICM) is expected to increase, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, dedicated cargo operations are likely to remain at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). “Returning cargo operations to AICM would be unwise. AIFA works for cargo, whether people like it or not,” he added.

He emphasized the importance of stronger government-industry collaboration in shaping future aviation regulations. “The Mexican government doesn’t need to seek permission but should engage in dialogue to share best practices. Feedback from the industry could help guide regulatory decisions,” he said.

Cobián recommended that future policy decisions be supported not only by national studies but also by research from international organizations such as IATA, ICAO, and ACI. “Those studies are conducted by professionals and provide legal and operational guidance. Basing decisions on them adds legitimacy and protection,” he concluded.