Flights canceled as US-Mexico aviation dispute escalates
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Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, challenges the US decision to cancel flights from Felipe Angeles Airport, citing a breach of aviation agreements.
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An Aeromexico Airlines plane lands at the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City on May 20, 2020. (AFP)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has voiced strong opposition to a recent US decision to revoke approval for 13 Mexican airline routes to the United States and cancel mixed passenger and cargo flights operating from Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) near Mexico City.
Speaking during her daily press conference on Wednesday, Sheinbaum said she would request a meeting between Mexico’s foreign minister and the US Secretary of State to discuss Washington's "unilateral actions," expressing hope that diplomatic dialogue could resolve the issue.
The US Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, announced the measure on Tuesday. Duffy accused Mexico of having "illegally canceled and frozen US carrier flights for three years without consequences." The department stated that Mexico violated a bilateral aviation agreement since 2022, when authorities rescinded US passenger carriers' airport slots and forced US cargo carriers to relocate operations.
Airlines and aviation Unions sound the alarm
The US decision triggered concern from Mexican carriers and aviation unions. Viva Aerobus, one of the affected airlines, warned that the abrupt cancellation would disrupt travel for thousands of Mexican and American passengers, particularly during the upcoming Día de los Muertos holiday weekend.
Viva Aerobus flights from AIFA to major US cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Orlando, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, and New York, were scheduled to begin in November.
The airline criticized both the timing and the lack of consultation involved in the decision.
Meanwhile, Volaris stressed that the new US cargo regulations would have minimal impact on its operations due to its limited cargo activity. However, the carrier is reevaluating the launch of a new AIFA–New Jersey passenger route, which was set to begin this Sunday.
The Mexican Air Pilots Union voiced its concerns on social media, warning that the US measures could threaten national aviation competitiveness, reduce air connectivity, and jeopardize thousands of jobs.
President Sheinbaum reiterated her administration's willingness to engage in discussions, signaling that Mexico is not seeking escalation. “We believe an understanding can be reached,” she said, adding that she would also meet with representatives from Mexican airlines on Friday to hear their perspectives and assess how best to respond.
