This article by Arturo Sánchez Jiménez originally appeared in the October 16, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) lifted this Friday, with immediate effect, the restrictions that prevented Mexican airlines from opening new flights to that country from the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and the Benito Juárez International Airport of Mexico City (AICM).
In a joint statement, the Secretariats of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) reported that the decision was adopted “as a result of the coordinated work between the Government of Mexico and that of the United States, as well as of the progress achieved in fulfilling bilateral commitments on aviation.”
The measure revokes Order 213-2, through which the DOT “had restricted existing, proposed and future operations of Mexican carriers.” According to the agencies, the determination “represents a significant advance for air connectivity between both countries” and “once again opens the possibility of developing routes and frequencies from the AICM and the AIFA to the US market.”
The federal government attributed the result to a process of dialogue and technical cooperation strengthened since the Memorandum of Consultations signed in May 2026. “Since then, Mexico has advanced on the agreed commitments,” it stated.
The SRE and the SICT maintained that the decision reflects the will of both governments to advance toward “a new stage of the bilateral relationship on aviation, based on dialogue, respect for sovereignty, institutional cooperation, the application of the best international practices and the permanent strengthening of the safety and efficiency of air transport.”
The restriction was announced on October 28, 2025, by the then head of the DOT, Sean Duffy, and affected Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus. Washington accused Mexico of failing to comply with the bilateral air transport agreement and of favoring local companies in the allocation of slots, and pointed to the decree that moved cargo flights from the AICM to the AIFA as the origin of the conflict. At the time, President Claudia Sheinbaum maintained that this relocation had been “a technical decision, not a political one.”
In the statement, Mexico committed to continue working with US authorities to “generate greater opportunities for passengers, workers and airlines, as well as to consolidate a safe, competitive, modern and reliable aviation system.”
US Lifts Restrictions on Mexican Airlines
October 16, 2026
Washington revoked Order 213-2, imposed in 2025 over cargo flights moved to AIFA, reopening new US routes from both Mexico City airports.
“Ingeniero,” CJNG Member Who Designed and Built Narco-Tunnels, Falls in Zapopan
October 16, 2026
The Defense Secretariat says Luis Manuel “N” built drug tunnels into the US from Tijuana and took orders directly from CJNG leader Juan Carlos Valencia González.
People’s Mañanera October 16
October 16, 2026
President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on recovered assets, public education, security, and exports.
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