U.S. agrees with Mexico on measures to strengthen air transport between both countries

Mexico City.- Mexico and the United States agreed on measures to strengthen bilateral air transport while the US Administration recognized the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) "as an integral part of the airport offer" of Mexico City and its surroundings. In a joint statement issued this Tuesday, the secretariats of Foreign Affairs (SRE, Foreign Ministry) of Mexico and Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), reported that, as a result of the dialogue held with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), "a series of measures aimed at the implementation of the bilateral air transport agreement were agreed upon." In addition, both parties will hold an "ongoing dialogue" to follow up on the progress of air transport between both countries. Mexico reaffirmed its commitment to having a "competitive bilateral air market," in which operating conditions favor the free flow of people and goods, this "within a clear, consistent regulatory framework based on best international practices," it was noted in the statement.

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Among the agreements reached, the text added, Mexico advanced in its strategy for the development of the airport system of the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico.

Recognition of AIFA in metropolitan offer

In the signed document, "the impetus of the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) is recognized as an integral part of the offer of the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico". Furthermore, it was agreed to proceed with the inclusion of said airport in the 2015 Air Transport Agreement. In terms of air cargo, the text pointed out, "conditions were established to guarantee equitable and transparent access to the airport infrastructure" of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and AIFA, expanding operational options and strengthening logistical connectivity between both countries, all for the benefit of both airports. A bilateral working group will also be formed, composed of various officials who will monitor and provide technical follow-up to the implementation of the commitments, and subsequently, evaluate the current regulatory measures in the U.S. It was explained that the working group "will be able to integrate contributions from the industry" in order to consider the perspectives of the actors involved, "including Mexican and American airlines". At the end of October 2025, the DOT revoked 13 routes of Mexican airlines to US territory, accusing Mexico of violating the terms of the bilateral air transport agreement. The measure was taken after months of complaints from the US government, which accuses the Mexican authorities of hindering competition by withdrawing or reassigning time slots —known as slots— to US airlines at AICM and AIFA, in favor of local companies. The AICM, in the heart of Mexico City, and the AIFA, on the outskirts, are the two main airports serving the Mexican capital.