Volaris, Viva, Aeroméxico Respond to US DOT Route Cancellations

Mexican carriers Volaris, Viva, and Aeroméxico are responding to the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to cancel 13 flight routes between Mexico and the United States, citing violations of the 2015 bilateral Air Transport Agreement. The  news triggered a market reaction, with Volaris shares falling 4.45% to MX$12.02 on the Mexico City Stock Exchange (BMV).

“The US DOT issued two rulings affecting Mexico. The first grants airlines at AICM 180 days to remove cargo from passenger flights, and the second cancels three routes from Aeroméxico and Aeroméxico Connect, one from Volaris, and nine from Viva departing from AIFA to US destinations. It also blocks the creation or expansion of new routes,” said Carlos Campillo, Partner, Sierra Latam.

DOT Secretary Sean P. Duffy justified the measure, saying Mexico “has canceled and suspended US airline flights for three years without consequences, while Mexican carriers have continued expanding service.” He added, “Until Mexico fulfills its commitments, we will continue to hold it accountable.”

Volaris noted the restrictions would have a limited impact on cargo operations but acknowledged disruption from the suspension of its planned AICM–Newark route, set to begin Nov. 2. “We are analyzing options to minimize the impact on our users,” the airline said, adding that it is coordinating with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) to prevent further disruptions.

Viva said it is reviewing the operational and customer impact, particularly ahead of the holiday season, and emphasized that flights from other Mexican airports to the United States remain unaffected. “This unilateral decision by the US government, announced with minimal notice, will affect thousands of passengers during peak season,” the airline said, expressing optimism that diplomatic dialogue could resolve the issue.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will seek a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify the motives behind the cancellations and assess any political undertones.

“We trust the coordination efforts between both governments. AIFA will continue expanding—it has the infrastructure and the personnel to do so,” said Lieutenant Colonel Héctor Reyes, Director of Strategic Planning, AIFA.