U.S. lifts restrictions on Mexican airlines following aviation agreement

Airlines based in Mexico will be permitted to introduce new flight routes to the United States after authorities lifted previous limitations. The Department of Transportation announced the policy change on 17 October 2026, noting that the measure acknowledged steps taken by Mexico to resolve issues related to a 2015 bilateral air transport pact. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the administration in Mexico agreed to enhance aviation access into Mexico City. Previous measures had suspended the expansion of passenger and cargo services operated by Mexican carriers following an ongoing dispute between the two nations. The disagreement began after slots held by United States carriers were rescinded. Authorities alleged that Mexico had failed to maintain compliance with the bilateral aviation framework since 2022. The recent policy shift follows discussions and subsequent actions by the Mexican government to satisfy Washington's concerns.