Mexican airlines will now be able to launch new flights to the U.S. from two international airports in Mexico City after the U.S. Department of Transportation lifted restrictions imposed over aviation disputes between the countries. The decision does not end all U.S. oversight as two other relevant orders remain in place.
What Has Changed?
Mexico’s government announced the decision on Oct. 16, according to a statement from its foreign affairs and transport ministries. It allows airlines to establish routes to the U.S. from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Benito Juárez International Airport (AICM).
The U.S. Department of Transportation said the move reflects steps Mexico has taken to address concerns over its compliance with a 2015 bilateral air transport agreement. Mexican carriers must still file schedules for flights to and from the U.S. and obtain approval to operate services with large aircraft.
A U.S. official said Washington will closely monitor Mexico’s compliance with its commitments. The official added that the decision is separate from an ongoing Federal Aviation Administration review of Mexico’s aviation oversight, which was conducted in August.
Why Were the Restrictions Imposed?
In October 2025, the U.S. froze the expansion of Mexican airlines’ passenger and cargo services from the two airports. It alleged that Mexico had not complied with the bilateral agreement since 2022, when it rescinded slots held by U.S. passenger airlines and forced U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate operations.
In May, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Mexico had agreed to improve aviation access to Mexico City. He said President Donald Trump’s administration had reached an agreement with Mexico on a plan to address U.S. concerns over the 2015 pact.
Mexican airlines have been able to expand existing U.S. routes and launch new services since the FAA restored Mexico’s top air safety rating in September 2023. Mexico had been downgraded in May 2021, a major blow to Mexican carriers as U.S. airlines took market share.
Viva and Aeromexico welcomed Friday’s decision, saying it would strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.
Will the lifted restrictions influence your decision to fly a Mexican carrier on U.S. routes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
