Mexico Begins Talks with U.S. Over New Flight Restrictions

The Mexican government is preparing to open negotiations with U.S. authorities following new flight restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, which could significantly impact Mexican carriers operating in the United States. During a press conference on July 22, 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the U.S. government has issued a one-month deadline to implement the new regulatory measures.

Under the new rules, all Mexican airlines—including passenger, cargo, and charter operators—must submit their flight schedules to the U.S. government for prior approval. The move comes in response to what the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) describes as ongoing violations of the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.

President Sheinbaum announced that Jesús Esteva Medina, Mexico’s Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, has been actively engaging with Mexican airline representatives. Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also involved in the discussions, signaling the high-level nature of the diplomatic efforts underway.

Medina indicated that the government is analyzing the U.S. requests point by point to determine which can be addressed directly and where alternative solutions might be proposed. “They are asking for a series of very particular points and it is being seen if they are acceptable or if necessary to make an alternative proposal,” Sheinbaum explained during the conference.

Some of the U.S.-requested measures are reportedly already being implemented at Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), though specific actions have not been publicly disclosed.

The tension follows a July 19 statement from the U.S. DOT accusing Mexico of failing to uphold its obligations under the bilateral agreement, particularly since 2022, when the Mexican government abruptly canceled airport slots and forced U.S. all-cargo airlines to move operations away from Mexico City’s main airport. In response, the U.S. DOT stated that it reserves the right to deny flight requests from Mexican carriers if corrective measures are not taken.

U.S. officials, including President Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, are reportedly monitoring similar issues with other international partners and have warned that non-compliance with U.S. air transport agreements could lead to broader consequences.

The outcome of these talks will be critical in determining the future of cross-border air service between Mexico and the United States, which includes vital passenger and cargo operations that support trade, tourism, and business ties across North America.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=AeroMexico