Sean Duffy Threatens Mexico With Barring Flights

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a warning to Mexico on Saturday, stating the U.S. may begin denying flight requests from the country.

This comes after Mexico removed American cargo carriers from Mexico City and revoked flight slots previously held by U.S. airlines.

Duffy, a Trump administration official, claimed Mexico violated a 2022 bilateral aviation agreement.

He said the country improperly stripped American carriers of their landing slots at Benito Juarez International Airport. He also demanded that Mexico disclose all flight schedules to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

American Airlines, Delta, and United previously held flight slots at the Mexico City airport.

These were revoked when Mexico ordered the relocation of U.S. cargo carriers without providing replacement accommodations.

In response, Duffy mandated that all large Mexican passenger and cargo aircraft obtain department-level approval before flying into or out of the U.S. He said this move ensures America’s aviation interests are protected.

Duffy accused the Biden administration, particularly former Secretary Pete Buttigieg, of allowing Mexico to break the agreement, per the New York Post.

He said the failure cost U.S. businesses millions in added expenses.

The Secretary added that the Department of Transportation would no longer allow foreign countries to take advantage of the U.S. aviation market. “America First means fighting for the fundamental principle of fairness,” he said.

The Department noted that the construction project used as justification for removing American cargo carriers from Mexico City hasn’t even begun three years later. The carriers were ordered to vacate within 108 days.

This relocation contradicts the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement, which was enacted under the Obama administration. The agreement was designed to increase cooperation and market access between both countries.

Mexico has consistently ranked as the top international destination for U.S. travelers, according to 2019 data from the Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office.

In addition to flight denials, Duffy’s agency also proposed withdrawing antitrust immunity from Delta and Aeromexico. This would dismantle their joint venture that allows the airlines to coordinate pricing, capacity, and share revenue.

Though Delta would retain its equity stake in Aeromexico and maintain flights to Mexico, the loss of antitrust protection would end operational collaboration between the carriers.

The Transportation Department criticized Mexico’s lack of transparency in how flight slots are allocated. It argued that inconsistent practices hinder fair competition and violate international standards.

An official order sent to Delta stated that the uncertainty surrounding Mexico’s slot allocation process posed a threat to the U.S.-Mexico aviation market’s competitiveness.

The Department also argued that Mexico’s actions negatively affect multiple stakeholders — including new entrants to the market, existing carriers, consumers, and American companies relying on timely cargo shipments.

Delta Airlines responded with concern. In a statement, the airline warned that the proposed changes would damage U.S. jobs, regional economies, and overall cross-border air travel.

Delta said it is reviewing the Department of Transportation’s orders and intends to work with the Trump administration to resolve the matter.

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