Air Sanctions: Mexico Rejects U.S. Air Sanctions

Sheinbaum: «There Is No Reason for Air Sanctions.»
Mexico Denies Violating Air Agreement with the U.S.
Mexico Defends Cargo Relocation to AIFA.

Sheinbaum Defends Mexican Aviation
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Monday that “there is no reason” for the U.S. government to impose restrictions on Mexican airlines, particularly regarding the alliance between Aeroméxico and Delta.

During her morning press conference, the president denied that the Mexican government had violated any bilateral agreements.

Her statements come in response to a press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which accused Mexico of breaching an air transport agreement signed by both nations.

This was reported by EFE.

Sheinbaum: «There Is No Reason for Air Sanctions»

🔺 “México no ha sido notificado por sanciones aéreas de Estados Unidos”: #ClaudiaSheinbaum https://t.co/QuNSlPTV9g pic.twitter.com/JEG75JNm5X

— Infobae México (@infobaemexico) July 21, 2025

According to Washington, the mandatory relocation of cargo operations from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) since 2022 negatively impacted U.S. airlines, causing them millions in losses.

“So far, we have not been formally notified,” emphasized Sheinbaum, who also explained that the decision to move operations was made during the previous administration, based on the need to reduce congestion at AICM.

A Technically-Based Decision Prioritizing Safety
Sheinbaum insisted that the transfer of cargo flights to AIFA was based on technical studies and the need to reorganize the airport system in the Mexico City metropolitan area.

According to the president, many airlines accepted the change and have successfully adapted to the new conditions.

“AIFA Is Working Very Well”

🛫 Sheinbaum: “México no ha sido notificado por sanciones aéreas de EE. UU.” 🇲🇽✈️

La presidenta aclaró que aún no hay notificación formal del gobierno estadounidense sobre posibles sanciones por el traslado de carga aérea al AIFA 📄.

Defendió la decisión como técnica, soberana… pic.twitter.com/U5JRjJsfZz

— 🔴 ESPACIO (@EspacioNoticias) July 21, 2025

«Over a year, a year and a half has passed, and companies have been adjusting to this new situation, which is beneficial for everyone,» she stated.

She also highlighted that AIFA “is working very well.”

She noted that investments have been made to improve customs and bonded facilities, with the goal of making cargo operations more efficient.

The president emphasized that safety was the main criterion behind the decision.

Bilateral Tension Over Aeroméxico–Delta Alliance

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed revoking the antitrust immunity (ATI) that protects the collaboration between Aeroméxico and Delta, a key alliance in air traffic between Mexico and the United States.

They argue that Mexico has restricted access to slots at Mexico City International Airport (AICM), disrupting competitive balance and causing harm to U.S. companies.

This proposal has raised concerns both in the aviation sector and in diplomatic circles. If implemented, it could severely impact commercial operations between the two countries and open a new front of tensions in the bilateral relationship.

Sheinbaum, for her part, reiterated that Mexico has acted responsibly and that the scope of the U.S. government’s accusations should be clarified before discussing sanctions.