Trump administration’s new order threatens Delta-Aeromexico partnership

The Trump administration has announced new restrictions on flights from Mexico to the United States, escalating tensions over the aviation policies imposed by the Mexican government. US officials argue these policies breach existing trade agreements and unfairly disadvantage US carriers.

In a statement issued on July 19, 2025, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that, under the new order, all Mexican airlines, such as passenger, cargo, and charter operators, will be required to submit their flight schedules for US government approval. These restrictions will take effect in October 2025 and will remain in place until the US determines that Mexican authorities are treating American airlines fairly.

“Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement. That ends today,” Duffy said.

“Let these actions serve as a warning to any country that thinks it can take advantage of the U.S., our carriers, and our market,” Duffy concluded.

Joe Biden and Pete Buttigieg deliberately allowed Mexico to break our bilateral aviation agreement.That ends today.Let these actions serve as a warning to any country who thinks it can take advantage of the U.S., our carriers, and our market. America First pic.twitter.com/b0pvqmkHwk— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 19, 2025The US also issued a preliminary order to “take appropriate corrective action” regarding the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico. Established in 2016, the agreement has allowed the two carriers to coordinate schedules and share revenue on routes between the US and Mexico.

The move follows the Mexican government’s controversial decision to relocate flights from Mexico City’s busy Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to the more remote Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU), located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. US officials say this decision violates bilateral agreements and favors Mexican carriers.

In its formal order to Delta Air Lines, the Transportation Department criticized Mexico’s slot allocation system, stating that it lacks transparency and consistency across the country’s airports.

“The lack of a coherent slot allocation regime and the prospect of arbitrary action raise serious concerns about long-term competitiveness in the U.S.-Mexico market. It also undermines confidence in our bilateral air services agreement as a tool to ensure fair competition,” the order reads.

The department warned that Mexico’s policies are hurting new entrants, existing competitors, passengers, and companies relying on time-sensitive air cargo between the two countries.

Delta Air Lines response

Delta Air Lines strongly criticized the Transportation Department’s move, calling it “unprecedented” and warning of negative impacts on consumers and businesses alike. The airline emphasized that the joint venture had enabled the launch of 15 US-Mexico routes and supported economic ties between the two nations.

“Delta is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s tentative decision. […] Mexico is our country’s second-largest trading partner, and the Delta/Aeromexico Joint Cooperation Agreement has played a vital role in connecting communities and businesses in both countries,” the airline said in a statement.

Delta added that it will “take all necessary steps to protect the millions of consumers” who have benefited from the partnership and pledged to ensure continued access and economic benefits in the cross-border market.

Neither Aeromexico nor the Mexican government has issued a formal response to the new US order.The post Trump administration’s new order threatens Delta-Aeromexico partnership appeared first on AeroTime.

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