Biden Administration Imposes New Restrictions on Flights from Mexico Amid Trade Disputes

The Trump administration has imposed new restrictions on flights from Mexico, requiring approval from the Department of Transportation before landing at US airports. This move was made in response to Mexico's restrictions on cargo flights to Mexico City. The new policy will remain in effect until Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy believes US airlines are being treated fairly by Mexico. Mexico is a top tourist destination for US travelers, and these new requirements could impact Americans' vacation plans.

The Trump administration has implemented new restrictions on flights from Mexico, requiring Mexican airlines to seek approval from the Department of Transportation before landing at U.S. airports. This move is a response to Mexico's restrictions on cargo flights to Mexico City, which have been in place for several years [1]. The new policy will remain in effect until Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is satisfied with the treatment of U.S. airlines by Mexico.

Mexico is a top tourist destination for U.S. travelers, with over 40 million passengers flying there last year. The new requirements could potentially impact Americans' vacation plans and the broader tourism economy [1]. The U.S. Department of Transportation has stated that Mexico's actions have violated a bilateral aviation agreement and given domestic airlines an unfair advantage [2].

Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, which have been operating a strategic partnership since 2016, have been fighting the Department's efforts to end their agreement. They argue that it is unfair to punish them for the Mexican government's actions and that ending the partnership would jeopardize nearly two dozen routes and $800 million in benefits to both countries' economies [1]. However, the order terminating approval of the agreement between the airlines will not take effect until October, and the airlines are likely to continue fighting that decision.

The new restrictions include requiring Mexican airlines to submit their schedules to the Transportation Department for approval and addressing anti-competitive issues in the market. The U.S. is also reviewing trade agreements with other countries to determine if they are being violated [2].

The impact of these new restrictions on the broader trade war with Mexico and negotiations over tariffs remains unclear. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has not commented on the new restrictions, and it is not known how these actions will affect ongoing negotiations [1].

References:
[1] https://abc7.com/post/trump-administration-imposes-limits-mexican-flights-threatens-delta-alliance-trade-dispute/17210799/
[2] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/07/20/transportation-department-sanctions-mexico/4251753039520/