The US government has placed restrictions on Mexico’s air cargo and passenger operations in response to what it said is “abuse” of the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and ongoing anti-competitive behaviour.
According to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Mexico has not been in compliance with the agreement since carriers were required to shift cargo operations from Benito Juarez International Airport, known as Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Felipe Angeles International Airport (AFIA).
Mexican airlines will now be required to file schedules with the Department for all their US operations, said a US DOT release.
Carriers will also require prior DOT approval before operating any large passenger or cargo aircraft charter flights to or from the US.
Cargo operations were moved from MEX to AFIA to reduce congestion, a decision that was criticised by IATA at the time due to the short notice for airlines, but the US DOT said the action served to disrupt the market, as per an Air Cargo News report.