The United States has lifted restrictions on Mexican airlines after progress in resolving a dispute over airport access and air transport operations between the two nations. This decision comes after negotiations led to an agreement addressing airport slot allocations and operational concerns.
The US Department of Transportation announced the immediate revocation of measures that had been imposed last year due to alleged violations of the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement. These restrictions had resulted in the cancellation of 13 routes and limited operations connected to Mexico’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
The conflict began when Mexico altered airport slot allocations for US airlines and required cargo operators to shift their operations from Mexico City International Airport to AIFA. The United States argued that these changes breached the bilateral agreement and increased operational costs for American companies.
Intense negotiations in recent months culminated in an agreement reached in May, whereby Mexico committed to granting US airlines fair access to operating slots at Mexico City International Airport. This development was welcomed by Mexican authorities, who view the lifting of restrictions as a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity and expanding flight services between the two countries.
The resolution of this dispute opens new opportunities for airlines, potentially allowing for the development of additional services from both Mexico City International Airport and AIFA to the US market, thereby boosting air travel and commerce between the neighboring nations.