US lifts restrictions on new flights from Mexico City airports

Volaris: Volaris is a major Mexican low-cost airline operating domestic and international routes, including recent expansions such as direct service from Guadalajara to Washington. It stands to benefit from the US decision to allow new flights from Mexico City airports, enhancing connectivity options to the United States. The carrier has also been engaged in merger discussions with Viva Aerobus aimed at creating a larger combined operator. Aeromexico: Aeromexico is Mexico's flagship airline, providing extensive domestic and international service with a hub in Mexico City. It welcomed the lifting of US flight restrictions, noting the potential to strengthen bilateral air links and expand route options. The carrier has continued network development, including new daily flights to Panama. Sean Duffy: Sean Duffy serves as US Transportation Secretary, focusing on infrastructure, aviation safety, and regulatory reforms. He previously highlighted Mexico's commitments under a May 2026 agreement to address US concerns over aviation access and compliance with bilateral pacts. Duffy has also advanced domestic initiatives such as air traffic control modernization and trucking industry oversight. Raúl Cortés Fernández: Raúl Cortés Fernández is a Reuters foreign correspondent based in Mexico City, covering politics, international relations, and economic developments in Mexico and Latin America. He reported the October 2026 Reuters story on the US lifting of Mexican flight restrictions. US Department of Transportation: The US Department of Transportation is the federal agency overseeing national transportation policy, safety standards, and international aviation agreements. In October 2026, it lifted longstanding restrictions that had prevented Mexican airlines from adding new flights to the United States from Mexico City's airports, resolving bilateral aviation disputes. The move followed earlier agreements with Mexico on improved access and safety compliance. Industry Response: Mexican carriers including Viva and Aeromexico publicly welcomed the decision as a step toward improved air connectivity between the two countries. Regulatory Update: The US Department of Transportation revoked prior administrative limits on new Mexican flights from Mexico City airports, enabling expanded routes from both Benito Juarez and Felipe Angeles facilities. Bilateral Agreement: The US action follows a May 2026 memorandum of consultations in which Mexico committed to addressing US concerns over aviation safety and access under a 2015 air transport agreement.