Mexican government relieved after US lifts restrictions on airlines

Mexican authorities said Washington will lift air restrictions that had limited Mexican airlines from operating new routes to U.S. cities from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

The move ends months of uncertainty over cross-border connectivity after U.S. officials canceled authorization for 13 new routes from AIFA to the United States, a decision tied to disputes over the 2015 air transportation agreement and the 2022 reorganization of flights between AIFA and AICM.

Since opening in 2022, AIFA has competed with AICM for routes, with the Mexican government reorganizing flight distribution under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and his successor. Cargo operations were directed to land at AIFA as part of a broader traffic-management approach.

U.S. concerns over slot availability at AICM and related costs contributed to tensions, prompting negotiations this year that resulted in opening more slots for U.S. carriers at AICM and a reframing of the bilateral aviation relationship.

Mexican airlines welcomed the development, citing greater flexibility to increase frequencies and add services between Mexico City and the United States, as the agreement is described as strengthening continental cross-border connectivity.

The announcement is framed as a step toward enhanced bilateral aviation cooperation, with emphasis on dialogue, sovereignty, international best practices, and ongoing safety and efficiency improvements.