The Mexican government hopes that the restrictions imposed by the United States on the country’s airlines, for an alleged breach of the bilateral air transport agreement, will end before the next winter season.
“We responded to their requests to comply with the executive orders, and we are waiting. In reality, we have practically addressed what was within our purview regarding the requests they made, and we are waiting for them to evaluate it,” stated Jesús Esteva, head of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT).
Following his appearance in the Chamber of Deputies, he explained that they are only waiting for a response from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) , since Mexico has already addressed the requests made by that authority, including regulatory and normative adjustments.
“It has progressed and we are waiting. I hope it will be before (winter). The agreement with them was to respond, and a memorandum of understanding was signed, which we made public, and we are waiting,” he specified.
The official said that so far they do not have a figure for economic losses due to these restrictions; “in reality, the sanctions were a restriction of having to notify about the flights and not opening more.”
In October 2025, the SICT reported that the DOF imposed the cancellation of 11 scheduled routes from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and the Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM) to the United States.
In addition, the executive order temporarily prohibits applications for new routes or increased frequencies from AIFA and AICM to US territory, a measure that will remain in effect until further notice.
A second order issued by the DOT contemplates the prohibition of permits for the transport of combined cargo on passenger flights between the AICM and the United States.
Last May, the SICT reported that equitable conditions were agreed upon for the use of the AICM and AIFA infrastructure for air cargo , with the aim of strengthening logistical connectivity between both countries; however, flight restrictions to US territory will continue.
At that time, Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, said that a consensus had been reached on a path forward for Mexico to comply with the 2015 Air Transport Agreement.
“This is a step in the right direction, but we need to see these promises translated into action. Until then, our restriction on Mexican airlines will remain in place,” he said.
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