Washington Quietly Ended Its Flight Freeze on Mexico City

On October 16, the US Department of Transportation revoked a 2025 order that had blocked Mexican airlines from adding flights between Mexico City and the United States. The reversal took effect immediately. The old order had covered 13 routes, two existing and 11 proposed, split across Mexico City’s two airports, Benito Juárez and Felipe Ángeles.

Washington had justified the freeze by arguing Mexican measures harmed US carriers, including moves of cargo operations and cuts to slots at Mexico City. Rejected examples included Aeroméxico to Houston, McAllen and San Juan, Volaris to Newark, and Viva Aerobus to Austin and Los Angeles. Mexico’s president called the decision unjustified at the time.

The change followed a May 2026 agreement on equal cargo access at the two airports, and the US says Mexico met most of its demands, including returning landing slots at Benito Juárez to American operators. Separately, a federal appeals court struck down an order that had withdrawn approval of the Delta–Aeroméxico joint venture, so that partnership can continue.

What travelers get is still a promise. It is unclear whether the 13 routes return automatically or must be refiled, and no new routes had been filed at the time of reporting. Aeroméxico’s chief executive said new US destinations could be announced soon, with first flights in early 2027, and a final FAA safety audit verdict is due in February 2027.

Sources: Live and Let’s Fly, Travel Extra