US Department of Transportation lifts flight curbs on Mexican airlines

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has revoked its order blocking Mexican airlines from adding new routes between Mexico City and the United States. The reversal ends a freeze that had impacted 13 routes across Mexico City’s Benito Juárez (MEX) and Felipe Ángeles (NLU) airports, affecting major carriers including Aeroméxico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus.

The decision follows a bilateral agreement regarding equal access to cargo operations and the return of landing slots at MEX to US operators. While the DOT previously cited Mexican government measures that harmed US carriers, the resolution indicates that Mexico has met most of the necessary demands.

Aeroméxico has already begun selling itineraries for new daily services starting in mid-January. The airline plans to operate routes from AICM to destinations including Florida, Portland, Oregon, and Santa Ana, California. Other previously blocked routes included service to Houston, McAllen, San Juan, Newark, Austin, and Los Angeles.