The Trump administration announced new restrictions on flights from Mexico on Saturday, intensifying the ongoing dispute over aviation policies. This development appears to threaten the long-standing partnership between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, following actions taken by the Mexican government several years ago that limited passenger and cargo flights into Mexico City. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized Mexico's decision to push airlines to relocate from the main Benito Juarez International Airport to the newer Felipe Angeles International Airport, located over 30 miles away, alleging it violated bilateral trade agreements and disproportionately favored domestic airlines.
During a statement, Duffy pointed fingers at the Biden administration, asserting that previous officials allowed Mexico to breach aviation agreements with the U.S. He emphasized that the new measures mark a decisive end to what he termed unfair practices, underscoring a commitment to "America First" policies that advocate for fairness in international trade. Duffy noted that all Mexican passenger, cargo, and charter airlines will now be obligated to submit their flight schedules to the U.S. Transportation Department for approval until satisfactory treatment of U.S. airlines by Mexico is ensured.
The implications of these restrictions on broader trade relations with Mexico are currently uncertain, particularly as they coincide with ongoing negotiations regarding tariffs. A spokesperson for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum did not provide a comment on the new regulations, and Sheinbaum failed to address the issue in her speeches on Saturday.
Delta and Aeromexico have been contesting the Transportation Department's actions to dissolve their partnership, which began in 2016, since early last year. The airlines argue that it would be unjust to penalize them for the actions of the Mexican government and warn that such a decision would jeopardize nearly two dozen routes and hinder a crucial economic partnership worth $800 million linked to tourism and job creation in both nations. Delta publicly stated that the proposed termination of their strategic partnership poses a risk to consumers traveling between the United States and Mexico, as well as detrimental impacts on U.S. jobs, communities, and cross-border competition.
Aeromexico's press office indicated that they are currently assessing the order and plan to submit a joint response with Delta in the near future. However, the restraining order on the partnership will not take effect until October, and both airlines are expected to continue their legal battle against this decision.
In prior filings challenging the order, Delta and Aeromexico conveyed concern that the elimination of direct flight options could deter over 140,000 American tourists and nearly 90,000 Mexican tourists from visiting each other's countries, resulting in a significant economic downturn from the loss of their spending. This ongoing discord serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and ramifications of international aviation policies and their direct influence on bilateral relations.
