Full Breakdown
US and Mexico Reach Agreement on Airline Slot Access at Mexico City Airport
5/6/2026, 3:04:42 AM
Agreement on Slot Access
On May 5, 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the United States and Mexico have reached a consensus on a plan to address American concerns about the 2015 bilateral air-transport agreement. Mexico will guarantee that U.S. carriers receive fair and transparent access to request and operate slots at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport. USDOT said it will not reconsider the restrictions it imposed on Mexican airlines until Mexico carries out the promised reforms.
Background and Recent Dispute
The 2015 agreement set the framework for airline traffic between the two nations. In October, Duffy revoked approval for 13 routes operated by Mexican carriers into the United States and imposed additional restrictions, alleging that Mexico had canceled and frozen U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences. The revocation marked a sharp escalation after Mexico allegedly halted U.S. flights for three years.
Official Statements & Responses
USDOT described the plan as a step toward equitable airport-infrastructure access and noted that a bilateral working group of U.S. and Mexican officials will monitor implementation and later evaluate U.S. regulatory measures. The Mexican government emphasized that the agreed measures will ensure transparent slot allocation and expand operational options. Aeroméxico expressed appreciation for the constructive dialogue, stating it supports the development of the national airline industry.
Criticism & Opposition
Duffy reiterated that U.S. restrictions on Mexican carriers will remain until Mexico fulfills its promised reforms, characterizing Mexico’s prior actions as illegal and detrimental to U.S. airlines. A court injunction blocking USDOT from ordering the dissolution of the Delta-Aeroméxico joint venture reflects legal opposition to further U.S. regulatory pressure.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
U.S. officials allege that Mexico “illegally canceled and froze” U.S. flights, while Mexican statements focus on cooperative measures without acknowledging illegality. No independent verification of the three-year flight suspension is provided in the sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “illegally canceled and froze U.S. carrier flights for three years without consequences.” — Sean Duffy
- “This is a step in the right direction – but we need to see these promises turn into action. Until then, our restriction on Mexican carriers will remain in place,” — Sean Duffy
- “carriers will have fair and transparent access to request and operate slots at Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport.” — USDOT
- “Aeromexico said it values th the efforts aimed at maintaining a constructive dialogue "that allows us to continue strengthening the bilateral relationship for the benefit of the development of the national airline industry.” — Aeroméxico
What’s Next
The bilateral working group will assess Mexico’s implementation of the slot-access commitments. Pending reforms, USDOT has indicated that it will not lift existing restrictions on Mexican airlines. The court-blocked joint-venture case between Delta and Aeroméxico remains unresolved, potentially influencing future regulatory actions.
