U.S. lifts 2026 aviation curbs on Mexican airlines: 2015 air transport pact and Mexico City airport routes

Direct fact

On October 16, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation lifted restrictions on Mexican airlines, allowing new flights to the U.S. from Mexico City’s Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) and Benito Juarez International Airport after a dispute linked to the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement.

Key specifics

• The decision was announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, by Mexico’s government and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Two Mexico City airports were named: Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA) and Benito Juarez International Airport.
• The U.S. said Mexico had taken steps to address compliance with the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement.
• The FAA had restored Mexico’s top air safety rating in September 2023 after a downgrade in May 2021.
• In October 2025, the U.S. froze expansion of Mexican passenger and cargo services from the two airports over slot and relocation disputes.

Exam lens

Question type: International relations and aviation policy, 2015 agreement, 2021 downgrade, 2023 FAA rating restoration, 2026 curbs lifted. TNPSC may ask which airports, which U.S. agency, and which year the bilateral pact was signed.