The decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to lift restrictions preventing Mexican airlines from opening new routes from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) represents a direct boost for air cargo , expanding operational capacity, strengthening connectivity with the U.S. market, and creating new alternatives for importers and exporters.
This was confirmed by the Mexican Association of Freight Forwarders (Amacarga) , which celebrated the decision due to the benefits it will bring to the movement of goods between Mexico and the United States.
The agency noted that in 2023, dedicated cargo handling was transferred by decree to AIFA , which allowed that terminal to consolidate its position as the country’s main cargo hub . However, the concentration of operations also limited some logistical options for users requiring greater connectivity from the country’s interior.
With the new DOT ruling, Mexican and US cargo airlines will be able to apply again for slots at AICM , expanding the options for planning operations and taking advantage of the infrastructure of both airports.
“By 2026, we are moving 40% more air cargo in electronic components and machinery. We need both airports operating at full capacity, not one against the other. AIFA and AICM are complementary,” he emphasized.
Another advantage identified by Amacarga is the strengthening of connectivity to major logistics hubs in the United States. Greater availability of routes and frequencies will improve connections to key markets such as Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and Chicago , facilitating supply chain integration and reducing transit times for users.
The agency acknowledged the coordinated work of the Secretariats of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) , Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) , whose efforts made it possible to meet the bilateral commitments related to the allocation of slots and operating rights.
It is worth remembering that on October 16, the SICT reported that the DOT decided to revoke the restrictions that prevented Mexican airlines from opening new flights from AIFA and AICM to the United States, thus reopening the possibility of developing routes and frequencies to and from the US market.
The measure revokes Order 213-2, through which the DOT had restricted existing, proposed and future operations of Mexican carriers.
