Business · Trade · 3 hrs ago
US lifts limits on Mexican airlines’ flights from Mexico City airports
The US lifted restrictions on Mexican airlines that had limited flights to the United States.
The decision covers Mexico City’s Benito Juárez airport, known as AICM, and Felipe Ángeles airport, known as AIFA.
The limits followed disputes over airport slots and cargo flights after Mexico reduced operations at AICM and moved cargo services elsewhere, which the US said harmed its airlines and breached a bilateral aviation agreement.
Mexico made progress on commitments agreed with the US through talks and a consultation memorandum signed in May 2026.
Airlines can now propose routes and more frequent service from both airports, but the change does not automatically create new flights.
New services will depend on airline plans and regulatory procedures, while the Mexican government says it will continue working with the US on air links.
The US Department of Transportation revoked restrictions that had blocked Mexican airlines from adding new flights from Mexico City’s AICM and AIFA airports to the United States.
The decision took effect immediately and allows airlines to propose new routes and increase flight frequencies, subject to applicable regulatory requirements.
The department said Mexico had corrected most of the issues raised by the United States, including the return of AICM operating slots to US companies.
Mexico’s government attributed the decision to dialogue and technical cooperation between the two countries.
Aeroméxico and Volaris welcomed the move, saying it could support more air connections with the United States.
- Who
- The US Department of Transportation lifted the restrictions. Mexican airlines, including Aeroméxico and Volaris, can add services.
- What
- Restrictions on new flights from AICM and AIFA to the United States were revoked. Airlines can develop routes and increase frequencies, subject to regulatory requirements.
- When
- The decision was announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, and took effect immediately.
- Where
- The restrictions concerned flights from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) to the United States.
- Why
- Mexico said the decision followed dialogue and technical cooperation, and progress on commitments under a memorandum signed in May 2026.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mexico and the United States signed a Memorandum of Consultations on aviation.
The US Department of Transportation monitored Mexico’s efforts to meet commitments under the memorandum.
The US Department of Transportation revoked the restrictions, with immediate effect.
- Airports
- AICM and AIFA
- Destination
- United States
- Decision-maker
- US Department of Transportation
- Effective date
- October 16, 2026, immediately
- Memorandum of Consultations
- Signed in May 2026
7 sources
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What people are saying
Since May, the Department has closely monitored SICT’s efforts to meet its commitments under the Memorandum of Consultations
Aeroméxico welcomes the DOT’s decision and recognizes the governments of Mexico and the United States for their ongoing dialogue and efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship in aviation
We recognize and thank the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation and the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs for their dedication, effort and effective coordination with the US government, which made it possible to reach this important agreement for the bilateral air relationship
This determination is the result of a process of dialogue and technical cooperation between the governments of Mexico and the United States, strengthened since the Memorandum of Consultations signed in May 2026