Delta-Aeromexico joint venture ordered to end by US government

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, Aeromexico had planned for its total seats to and from the U.S. this year to increase by nearly 33% compared with 2019 levels. Delta was also set to grow its seat capacity to Mexico by 17% over six years.

The Biden administration initially announced in January 2024 that it would not renew the antitrust immunity enabling this close cooperation between the carriers. After further review, the DOT determined that competition in Mexico City had deteriorated rather than improved in recent months.

Delta expressed disappointment with Monday’s decision. In a statement provided late Monday, Delta said it was "disappointed" by the DOT's ruling, which it said would cause "significant harm to U.S. jobs, communities and consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico."

Both airlines have argued that their joint venture benefits consumers through increased connectivity between the two countries. It remains unclear whether they will appeal the decision or what level of cooperation might continue under their existing alliance agreement if an appeal is not pursued.

The termination could affect dozens of routes between the United States and Mexico City as a result of unwinding their partnership.