The Mexican government confirmed that Mexican airlines ceded takeoff and landing slots at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to their US counterparts , while at AIFA they will seek improvements in cargo handling.
This was announced by Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, in response to the request made by her counterpart Donald Trump through the Department of Transportation (DOT), stemming from the alleged breach of the Air Transport Agreement signed between both countries in 2015, and the impact on US airlines due to the reduction of slots at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and the relocation of cargo aircraft to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) .
“For some weeks now, prior to that meeting, a distribution of slots was made, a new distribution, in which Mexican airlines cede their spaces to US airlines within a framework of competitiveness,” he said in his conference.
He specified that the above is being done after meetings with DOT authorities, however, he insisted that they will continue to promote both airports.
“It’s not a question of whether it’s AIFA versus Benito Juárez, or the cargo on one or the other, although there is a decree that must be respected, but rather the fact that it’s very important for them to recognize the importance of promoting both airports, also with their US airlines. So, that was the first thing we proposed, that they understand that it is the obligation of the Mexican government to promote both airports: Benito Juárez and Felipe Ángeles International Airport. And they were very receptive to that,” he said.
In this regard, he indicated that the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) and the AICM authorities will announce how the schedules will be distributed.
He also commented that next year a more advanced digital system will come into operation, which will allow for sufficient competition and distribution among all airlines at this airport.
Regarding cargo airlines, he mentioned that he met with the companies to learn what’s needed for their operations at AIFA. “There are some customs procedures that need improvement , and they raised some other issues, and we’re going to support them in this process. But overall, the atmosphere is good, let’s say. And the talks will continue for several weeks with the understanding that we can reach an agreement.”
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