President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that Mexican airlines will cede some slots at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to U.S. airlines amid disputes between the two countries over flight distribution.
Sheinbaum did not specify how many slots would be affected, but noted that the distribution has already been made «within a framework of competitiveness».
«A few weeks ago, a new distribution of slots was made, in which Mexican airlines cede their spaces to U.S. airlines within a framework of competitiveness,» she said.
She stated that both Mexicana de Aviación and private airlines could cede these spaces following talks with the United States.
Last month, the United States revoked the authorization for more than a dozen routes operated by Mexican airlines, in retaliation for what it called the illegal cancellation of flights by U.S. airlines to Mexico.
«Next year, a much more advanced digital system will be implemented that the airport currently does not have, in such a way that there can be sufficient competition and distribution among all airlines,» she pointed out during her morning press conference.
Additionally, she said they proposed to the U.S. government that both AICM and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) «have enough flights and be part of a system».
Last Monday, Mexican government officials addressed the issue with their U.S. counterparts in Washington, with the aim of making the Donald Trump administration understand that Mexico «must boost both airports».
The head of state noted that she held a meeting with representatives of cargo airlines to learn about their needs and pointed out that customs issues must be improved.
