US acts against Mexico over forced relocation of cargo flights, deal breach

United States Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced three enforcement actions against Mexico on Saturday (July 19, 2025), while accusing the country of violating the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and engaging in anti-competitive behaviour that has disrupted both passenger and cargo operations.

Mexico has not been in compliance with the bilateral agreement since 2022, claims the announcement, “when it abruptly rescinded slots and then forced U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate operations.”

Part 213 Order mandates that Mexican airlines file schedules for all US operations with the US Department of Transportation (US DOT), Part 212 Order requires prior US DOT approval for any large passenger or cargo charter flights between the two countries, and Supplemental Show Cause Order proposes the withdrawal of antitrust immunity (ATI) for the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture.

“The department reserves the right to disapprove flight requests from Mexico should the country fail to take corrective action,” it reads.

In 2023, Mexico unilaterally forced all US all-cargo carriers out of Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), points out the announcement, “under the same saturation pretences with only 108 business days advance notice.”

“Mexico claimed it was to allow for construction to alleviate congestion at MEX that has yet to materialise three years later. Mexico has not taken any action to restore the operating rights of US all-cargo carriers guaranteed in the US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.”

The note claims that Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs by restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX.

“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement,” said Duffy. “That ends today. Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the US, our carriers, and our market. America First means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness.”

President Trump and Secretary Duffy, according to the announcement, are taking note of multiple other countries that are disregarding the terms of our air transport agreements.

“For example, we are monitoring European States to ensure that they apply the Balanced Approach process for noise abatement at their airports and do not implement unjustified operational restrictions.”