U.S. Lifts Curbs on New Aeroméxico Flights From Mexico City

October 17, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Transportation has lifted the restrictions that stopped Aeroméxico and other Mexican airlines from adding new U.S. flights from Mexico City, ending a year-long freeze in the aviation dispute between the two countries.

What happened

Mexico’s foreign affairs, communications and transportation ministries announced on Friday, October 16, that Mexican carriers can once again launch new U.S. routes from both of Mexico City’s international airports: Benito Juárez International (MEX) and Felipe Ángeles International (NLU). Aeroméxico and Viva both welcomed the decision, saying it will strengthen air connections between the countries.

According to Reuters, the DOT said the move reflects steps Mexico has taken to address U.S. concerns about its compliance with the 2015 U.S.–Mexico air transport agreement.

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What still applies

• Mexican carriers must still file their schedules for U.S. flights.
• They must still get approval to operate services using large aircraft.
• Two other U.S. orders tied to the dispute remain in place, and Washington says it will monitor Mexico’s compliance.
• A separate FAA review of Mexico’s aviation oversight, carried out in August, is still ongoing.

Background

In October 2025, the U.S. froze growth in Mexican carriers’ passenger and cargo flying at the Mexico City airports. Washington said Mexico had failed to comply with the bilateral agreement since 2022, when Mexico took back slots held by U.S. passenger airlines and required U.S. all-cargo carriers to relocate. In May 2026, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Mexico had agreed to improve aviation access to Mexico City.

Key dates

What it means for non-revs

• Nothing changes on your next trip yet. No new Aeroméxico routes or start dates have been announced, so current loads and schedules stay as they are for now.
• More Mexico City capacity is likely on the way. Once Aeroméxico and other Mexican carriers file new U.S. routes, extra seats out of MEX and NLU should mean more open seats for standby travelers over time. Watch for route announcements.
• Delta people should pay attention. Aeroméxico is Delta’s joint-venture partner (Aeroméxico says a court restored the venture’s antitrust immunity in August 2026), so any new Aeroméxico U.S. flying is worth tracking for Delta-family travelers who use Aeroméxico pass or partner benefits. Check your airline’s current partner pass rules before you plan.

Sources

• Reuters via KFGO — US lifts restrictions on new Mexican flights from capital’s airports
• Reuters via WSAU — US lifts curbs on Mexican airlines after aviation dispute
• AeroCorner — Aeromexico Pilots Push Back Their Strike by Up to 45 Days, but Reject the Airline’s Latest Offer (background on the Delta–Aeroméxico joint venture)