Mexico City, Mexico — Mexico’s SICT says they do not understand or agree with the recent U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to terminate Aeroméxico-Delta Air Lines alliance.
The termination is set to be effective at the start of the New Year. The decision ends an eight-year antitrust immunity deal that allowed the airlines to coordinate on flights between the U.S. and Mexico.
Mexico’s SICT (Ministry of Communications and Transportation) said “regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to terminate, effective January 1, 2026, the antitrust immunity granted to the strategic alliance between Aeroméxico and Delta Air Lines, the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation reports:
“Within the framework of the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement and the laws of each country, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) made four observations, specifically those that occurred at Mexico City International Airport.
“The Mexican government, through the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT), responded in full to these four observations. Therefore, it neither understands nor agrees with the decision of the United States Department of Transportation.
“This measure does not affect passengers. Passengers holding a ticket with either airline will not see their routes or flight schedules affected. Frequent flyer programs continue to operate reciprocally, allowing for the accumulation and redemption of miles without changes. Codeshare agreements between the two airlines also remain in effect.
“Furthermore, this measure does not restrict traffic rights or bilateral aviation agreements, which remain fully in force. The national aviation sector will continue to guarantee connectivity between the two countries as the codeshare agreements between the two airlines remain in force.
“In compliance with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s instructions, talks and working groups were held with all dedicated cargo airlines, which expressed their willingness to operate in the AIFA and recognized the flexible schedules, robust physical and technological infrastructure, and strategic geographic location.
“During 2024, a 6.5% increase in cargo from the Valley of Mexico was recorded. A meeting will be held with Aeroméxico to review this situation and ensure Mexican pilots are not affected.”
In a statement, Delta Airlines also commented on the September 15 announcement saying “We are disappointed that the Department of Transportation has chosen to terminate its approval of the strategic and pro-competitive partnership between Delta and Aeromexico, a decision that will cause significant harm to U.S. jobs, communities and consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico.
“We are reviewing the Department’s order and considering next steps.” All flights will continue to operate as normal, unless otherwise contacted by Delta.
In July, DOT proposed ending the Aeroméxico-Delta Air Lines alliance and dissolving the partnership over fairness concerns. Those concerns arose after former-president Andrés Manuel López Obrador restructured cargo loads at the Mexico City Airport in 2023, moving companies to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
The move was made in response to overcapacity safety concerns by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at the Mexico City International Airport in 2022.
