U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced the revocation of antitrust immunity for Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, effectively ending their long-standing partnership. This decision stems from Duffy’s concerns regarding the fairness of Mexico’s treatment toward U.S. airlines, particularly in the context of recent airline policies that he claims provide an inequitable advantage to Mexican carriers.
Transport Secretary Duffy emphasized that the joint pricing and scheduling, as well as revenue-sharing between Delta and Aeromexico—an arrangement that has been in place since 2016—can no longer be justified. He pointed out the specific limitations Mexico has imposed on international airlines, particularly concerning passenger and cargo flights into Mexico City. These limitations were established several years ago and have intensified scrutiny on the relationship between the two nations, amidst a broader context of trade tensions that have also included discussions on tariffs and border security initiated during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Duffy’s concerns are particularly directed at the Mexican government’s recent efforts to mandate the relocation of cargo operations from Benito Juarez International Airport to the Felipe Angeles International Airport, which is situated over 30 miles away from the city center. This new airport has struggled to gain traction among major international airlines due to its distance from key urban areas, with travel times reaching up to 2.5 hours. Furthermore, the reduction of flight slots available at Benito Juarez during this transition has drawn additional criticism, particularly as construction at the new airport has stalled.
In his comments, Duffy stated, “Empty promises mean nothing. After years of taking advantage of the U.S. and our carriers, we need to see definitive action by Mexico that levels the playing field and restores fairness.” His position contrasts with that of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who characterized the relocation as a purely technical decision aimed at reducing congestion at the older airport. She has firmly rejected the notion that the change represents any form of discrimination against U.S. airlines, emphasizing that the adjustment served a broader need for safety and efficiency.
Both Delta and Aeromexico have expressed disappointment with Duffy’s ruling, though they have not yet made a decision on whether to contest it. The two airlines warned that this move could adversely affect the economies of both the United States and Mexico. With over 40 million Americans traveling to Mexico last year, and both airlines collectively operating more than 30,000 flights between the two nations, they contend that the breakdown of their partnership could lead to a significant reduction in tourism and spending. Delta projected that the withdrawal from their alliance would cause a substantial decrease in international travelers, specifically estimating over 140,000 Americans and nearly 90,000 Mexicans would be deterred from visiting each other’s countries.
Despite the termination of their formal partnership, Delta and Aeromexico plan to continue some level of cooperation, although the extent of their collaboration will be significantly reduced. The airlines argue that their previous alliance did not stifle competition, as evidenced by the expansion of other carriers such as Viva and Volaris at Benito Juarez Airport following the closure of Interjet. Duffy’s order is set to take effect in January, allowing time for both airlines to navigate the transition while maintaining current flight operations and loyalty programs in place until then.
