The United States has lifted restrictions on Mexican airlines following an agreement between the two countries to resolve a dispute over airport access. The US Department of Transportation announced the immediate revocation of measures imposed last year due to alleged violations of the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement.
The restrictions had led to the cancellation of 13 routes and limited certain operations involving Mexico’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The dispute began when Mexico altered airport slot allocations for US airlines and mandated that cargo operators relocate their operations from Mexico City International Airport to AIFA, actions that Washington argued were in breach of the bilateral agreement and imposed additional costs on US companies.
Recent negotiations culminated in an agreement in May, wherein Mexico committed to ensuring fair access for US airlines to operating slots at Mexico City International Airport. This development was crucial in the US decision to lift the restrictions.
Mexican authorities have welcomed the US decision, viewing it as a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity and expanding flight routes and frequencies between Mexico and the United States. The lifting of these restrictions is expected to create new opportunities for airlines to develop services from both Mexico City International Airport and AIFA to the US market.