US takes action against Mexico over alleged aviation agreement breaches

The DOT also highlighted issues with takeoff and landing slots at MEX seized from US airlines in August 2022 under capacity constraints pretexts. Although these measures were said to be temporary due to construction works, no significant projects have occurred at MEX. Instead, it appears there was an attempt to shift operations to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU).

Mexican airlines must now submit their schedules with the DOT by July 29 and obtain prior approvals for US flights. If antitrust immunity is revoked for the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture, common pricing and revenue sharing would cease.

Duffy emphasized that "Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement," adding that "America First means fighting for fairness."

The dispute began in August 2022 when Mexican authorities rescinded slots at MEX due to supposed construction needs. This affected American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, and Volaris by reducing hourly flight movements at MEX.

In February 2023, all cargo carriers were ordered out of MEX within 108 days without restoration rights despite repeated requests from the DOT.

Additionally, the DOT warned other countries about potential treaty violations. It mentioned monitoring European nations like those imposing operational restrictions on US carriers without following noise abatement procedures as per international agreements.