New US restrictions targeting Mexican air charter operations have sent shockwaves through the industry, sparking confusion, delays, and commercial uncertainty for operators flying between the two countries.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) recently took action against Mexican airlines, citing violations of the US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement (ATA). At the heart of the dispute is Mexico’s forced relocation of flights from Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) to the newer—and more remote—Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), along with the imposition of new slot restrictions. US officials claim these measures were made unilaterally, without the consultation required by the bilateral aviation treaty.
The DOT’s response has been swift and firm: new filing obligations, a pre-approval mandate for charters, and a potential clampdown on the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico. These enforcement steps have left charter operators on both sides of the border scrambling to adjust.
Regulatory Uncertainty Clouds Charter Flights
As of now, all Mexican carriers must submit detailed schedules—including for charter flights—before operating into the US. Previously, charter permissions were largely procedural. Now, each request faces a heightened level of scrutiny.
Passenger and cargo charters are especially affected. Every proposed operation to or from the US now requires pre-authorization from the DOT. This process introduces delays and leaves companies unsure whether their contracts can be fulfilled. Industry insiders say the unpredictability is already impacting service levels and planning for high-demand periods like the holiday shipping season.
Freight forwarders, charter brokers, and airport handlers report a surge in inquiries and schedule changes. Some operators have even suspended upcoming flights pending guidance. A number of US logistics firms, however, have welcomed the shift, viewing it as a long-overdue attempt to “level the playing field.”
Commercial Tensions Extend Beyond Cargo
The DOT has also placed the spotlight on the long-standing joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico, warning that the arrangement may no longer be in the public interest. The two carriers have shared schedules, pricing strategies, and codeshare routes since 2016, under an antitrust immunity agreement. Now, that alliance is at risk.
If the immunity is withdrawn, the carriers could be forced to unwind their cooperation—a move that would ripple across passenger and cargo services alike. The venture currently underpins dozens of cross-border flights each week, providing seamless connectivity for US and Mexican travelers.
A spokesperson for Aeroméxico said the company is evaluating the regulatory changes and remains committed to compliance. Meanwhile, Delta has not issued a formal response.
Industry Pushes Back as Uncertainty Mounts
Mexican aviation authorities argue that the decision to shift traffic to AIFA was rooted in safety and congestion relief—not protectionism. Officials also note that they have not received formal notice of the sanctions, questioning the DOT’s approach.
The Mexican air cargo association has raised alarm over what it calls a “bureaucratic chokehold” on charter operations. Some logistics providers report delays in approvals stretching beyond 10 business days. In industries where timing is everything—especially perishables and project freight—that’s enough to derail an entire shipment.
“There’s no roadmap,” said a senior manager at a Mexico-based charter operator. “Every request is a roll of the dice, and we’re the ones left explaining delays to customers.”
Pressure Builds for Resolution
While both governments claim to support open skies and efficient trade, there is no indication yet of a near-term resolution. Talks remain behind closed doors. For now, each charter operator must navigate a growing maze of compliance checks, paperwork, and policy risk.
Without formal arbitration or diplomatic breakthrough, the Mexican charter market will likely remain in limbo—hamstrung by legal gray areas and a cautious US regulatory posture.
