The United States has lifted restrictions on Mexican airlines after resolving a dispute over airport access and air transport operations, the US Department of Transportation announced. The restrictions, imposed last year, were a response to alleged violations of a 2015 bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries.
The conflict arose when Mexico altered airport slot allocations for US airlines and mandated that cargo operators transfer their operations from Mexico City International Airport to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The US argued these changes breached the bilateral agreement and increased costs for American companies.
Recent negotiations led to a breakthrough agreement in May, with Mexico agreeing to ensure fair access for US airlines to operating slots at Mexico City International Airport. Following this agreement, the US Department of Transportation moved to immediately revoke the measures that had previously resulted in the cancellation of 13 routes and restricted certain operations at AIFA.
Mexican authorities hailed the US decision as a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity and expanding flight routes and frequencies between the two countries. The resolution of this dispute opens new avenues for airlines to explore and develop services between Mexico City International Airport, AIFA, and the US market.