MEXICO CITY, Mexico, October 17, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Transportation has lifted the restrictions that kept Mexican airlines from launching new U.S. routes out of Mexico City, ending a dispute over airport access that began a year ago. Mexico’s government announced the decision on Friday, October 16.
What happened
- The decision: Mexican airlines can again start new U.S. routes and add frequencies from both of the capital’s international airports, Benito Juárez International (MEX) and Felipe Ángeles International (NLU), Reuters reports.
- Why it changed: The Trump administration reached agreement with Mexico on a plan to address U.S. concerns about Mexico’s compliance with the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement. In May 2026 the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding on airport access and slot allocation, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Mexico had agreed to improve access to Mexico City.
- Background: The DOT imposed the restrictions in October 2025 after Mexico reduced the number of slots at MEX and required cargo carriers to move to NLU, steps Washington said broke the 2015 agreement.
- Effective date: One report says the change took effect immediately on October 16; the DOT did not immediately comment.
- What is not changing yet: The decision does not automatically bring back the 13 services caught up in the earlier U.S. enforcement measures, and no new routes or launch dates have been announced (TBA).
- Airlines: Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva are the Mexican carriers involved. Viva and Aeroméxico said the move would “strengthen air connectivity between the two countries.”
What it means for non-revs
- Nothing changes at the gate today. No new flights have been scheduled yet, so current loads between the U.S. and Mexico City are unaffected for now.
- More seats are likely later. Once Mexican carriers file new routes and frequencies, more U.S.–Mexico City capacity should mean better standby odds on those city pairs. Watch for schedule announcements.
- Know which airport you are flying to. New service could go to either MEX or NLU, so check the airport code carefully when listing.
Sources
- Reuters via WABX — US lifts restrictions on new Mexican flights from capital’s airports
- Rus Tourism News — US Lifts Mexico City Flight Restrictions, Allowing Airlines to Expand Routes Again
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