President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that Mexican airlines have ceded airport slots to U.S. carriers at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), as part of negotiations with the U.S. government following the cancellation of 13 flight routes and the temporary suspension of passenger and cargo operations to the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
“Several weeks ago, a redistribution of slots was carried out—a new arrangement in which Mexican airlines ceded some of their spaces to U.S. airlines within a competitiveness framework,” the President explained during her morning press conference on November 17.
Sheinbaum noted that communication between both countries has remained constant in order to resolve the issue. She recalled that on November 10 a meeting was held in the United States, during which Mexico explained the need to strengthen both the AICM and the AIFA and emphasized the importance of treating both as part of a complementary airport system.
“We want both airports to have enough flights and to operate as part of a unified system. It’s not about AIFA versus AICM, even though there is a decree that must be respected,” she said. “But it’s important that they recognize the need to use both airports, especially with their U.S. carriers.”
The President also announced that an advanced digital system will begin operating in 2026, aimed at improving airline competition and slot distribution. She added that Mexico has signed agreements with various carriers, both U.S.-based and international, to ensure balanced operations.
Sheinbaum further stated that she held direct meetings with cargo airline executives to identify areas for improvement—particularly in customs processes—and indicated that her administration will support companies in resolving these challenges.
Finally, she confirmed that conversations with U.S. authorities will continue in the coming weeks, with the goal of reaching new agreements on the number of flights that may be reassigned between the two airports.
Related: Sheinbaum Presents the 2026 World Cup as Mexico Prepares to Welcome 5.5 Million Visitors
Mexican Press Agency is part of ALMA, which is dedicated to news and information about Mexico and Mexicans in the United States and is a fiscally sponsored project of Social Focus, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Redwood City, California.
