The National Chamber of Air Transport (Canaero) called for dialogue between Mexican and US authorities to reach a solution, following the cancellation of 13 scheduled routes to the United States from the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles Airport (AIFA) by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) .
The organization noted that this decision impacts the operations of Mexican passenger and cargo airlines , and indicated that the Mexican aviation sector recognizes the importance of maintaining a bilateral relationship based on cooperation , certainty, and mutual benefit .
In response, he asked the Mexican government and its US counterparts to “strengthen the channels of dialogue that allow for solutions to be reached that restore the conditions of competition and connectivity between both countries as soon as possible.”
“The chamber reiterated its willingness to work in a coordinated manner with the various actors in the sector, in order to identify alternatives that mitigate the impact on passengers, companies and logistics chains, and that contribute to the continuity of air services for the benefit of trade, tourism and regional economic integration,” Canaero highlighted in a statement.
The organization expressed confidence that open and constructive dialogue will allow progress towards a framework of cooperation that preserves Mexico’s interests , strengthens the sustainable development of the national aviation sector, and safeguards the interests of passengers.
Meanwhile, Víctor Manuel Pérez Díaz, president of the Communications and Transportation Commission of the Chamber of Deputies , expressed his concern about the decision by the United States government to block 13 Mexican air routes, which he considered directly affects Mexico’s connectivity, economy, and international reputation .
“This decision has not only diplomatic implications, but also significant economic and labor implications: it is estimated that more than 15,000 direct and indirect jobs linked to the aeronautical industry —pilots, flight attendants, technicians, airport personnel, travel agencies and suppliers linked to AIFA— could be affected by the reduction in operations,” he explained.
The measure, he noted, could jeopardize foreign and domestic investment , especially in maintenance, infrastructure and air services, severely impacting the sector’s competitiveness.
“This creates uncertainty for international investment and confidence in the Mexican aeronautical sector, affecting an industry that represents around 2% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs more than 200,000 people throughout the country,” the federal legislator noted.
In that regard, he demanded an urgent and transparent explanation from the federal government regarding the circumstances that led to this sanction and the actions that will be taken to prevent further damage to Mexican commercial aviation.
It’s worth noting that the day before, the DOT announced the cancellation of 13 scheduled routes from Mexico to the United States operated by Mexican airlines from AIFA and AICM. According to the DOT, the measure was taken due to Mexico’s failure to comply with the Air Transport Agreement signed in 2015 .
In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the measure, calling it “unfounded” and suggesting it might be motivated by “political or business interests . “
In her morning press conference this Wednesday, Sheinbaum said that she instructed Juan Ramón de la Fuente, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) , to request a meeting with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and the head of the DOT, Sean Duffy, to review the decision and demand formal explanations .
The Mexican president clarified that the decision to move cargo to AIFA was a sovereign one and related to civil protection, since AICM was at capacity , which put passengers at risk. “All the companies, including the American ones, are very happy with AIFA,” she emphasized.
Comment and follow us on X: @GrupoT21
