U.S. lifts airline restrictions, opening new routes from Mexico City's airports

Tensions over air travel between Mexico and the United States have eased after Washington announced it will rescind the prohibition on 13 new routes from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to U.S. destinations. The dispute originated when U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed Mexico violated the 2015 air-transport agreement by reallocating slots and moving cargo flights to AIFA, which did not exist at the time of the treaty.

Mexico responded by negotiating to open additional slots for U.S. airlines at AICM, a move that satisfied U.S. demands. The Mexican government praised the decision as a sign of mutual respect and a step toward safer, more efficient air transport. Airlines Aeroméxico and Volaris said the revocation gives them flexibility to increase frequencies and launch new services across the continent. While aviation ties improve, other bilateral issues such as security and trade remain unresolved.