Major US-Mexico Flight Routes Cancelled in Government Dispute
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has mandated the cancellation of more than ten flight routes between the US and Mexico, a move that is set to disrupt the travel plans of thousands of passengers. This decisive action stems from a US government order issued in October, which targets what it describes as unfair aviation practices by Mexico.
End of an Era for Open Skies
This development marks a significant shift from the Mexico Air Transport Agreement signed by the two nations in 2015. Designed under the Open Skies framework, that agreement was intended to encourage unrestricted air travel across the border by limiting government control over airlines' commercial decisions on routes, capacity, and pricing. The DOT's recent order effectively dismantles key parts of this decade-old pact.
The regulatory action focuses on three specific Mexican carriers: the flag carrier Aeromexico and the low-cost airlines Volaris and Viva Aerobus. As a direct result, 13 specific flight routes operated under the agreement will be terminated. The deadline for these cancellations is set for 7 November 2025.
Consequences for Passengers and Airlines
Travelers who have already booked tickets on any of the affected routes should prepare for cancellations unless a last-minute reversal occurs. The DOT has clearly stated that all passengers are entitled to a full refund if their flight is cancelled. It advises affected individuals to contact their airline directly to arrange for refunds or explore alternative rebooking options.
While this impacts Mexican carriers, major US airlines such as American, United, and Delta continue their daily services to Mexico City. However, analysts note that fares on these US-operated flights are typically higher than those offered by the budget Mexican carriers now facing route cuts.
The dispute also has a significant corporate dimension. The US government is simultaneously seeking to force Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind their joint venture, which the DOT has labelled as legalised collusion. A recent government filing argued that the venture gave the two airlines a dominant 60% market share on certain routes, unfairly limiting competition.
Mexico's government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has criticised the US decision, warning it will negatively affect air travel between the two countries. President Sheinbaum has expressed optimism about finding a solution through diplomatic channels and has confirmed plans to meet with the affected Mexican airlines.
Viva Aerobus, the carrier most impacted by the route cuts, stated that the sudden change will impact thousands of travellers on both sides of the border. The airline expressed hope that dialogue between the two governments would yield a fair solution to minimise the impact on the public.
The 13 routes facing cancellation are:
- Aeroméxico – Mexico City (MEX) to San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Volaris – Mexico City (MEX) to Newark Liberty International Airport
- Aeroméxico – Mexico City (NLU) to Houston
- Aeroméxico – Mexico City (NLU) to McAllen International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to O'Hare International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to Denver International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to Los Angeles International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to Miami International Airport
- Viva Aerobus – Mexico City (NLU) to Orlando International Airport
- All combined passenger and cargo flights by Mexican carriers from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) to any US destination.
