Mexico City, Oct 29 (EFE).- The Mexican Airline Pilots Association (ASPA) urged the federal government on Wednesday to "act with responsibility, urgency and strategic vision" regarding the order from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to revoke routes for Mexican airlines from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). In a statement, ASPA expressed its "deep concern" over the orders issued by the DOT, which limit and condition the operations of Mexican airlines to that country. "These provisions include the disapproval of scheduled services and the proposal to ban cargo transport on combined flights from Mexico City International Airport," the pilots stated. According to them, the measures taken by U.S. authorities would "seriously affect" air connectivity, the competitiveness of national aviation, and the thousands of jobs that depend on this sector, impacting passengers, workers, and companies linked to the industry. They pointed out that on various occasions, they have reiterated to the Mexican government their willingness to collaborate in favor of policies that strengthen national aviation, however, they denounced that they have not found the necessary echo. "This situation evidences the lack of a state vision that recognizes the strategic importance of aviation as a driver of connectivity, development, and employment," they emphasized. Likewise, they assured that they have previously warned Mexican authorities that decisions made "without a technical or long-term perspective" have resulted in a scenario of "labor and economic uncertainty" that is now reflected in the orders issued to the DOT. Therefore, they asked the government to act with responsibility, urgency and strategic vision, prioritizing technical dialogue with U.S. authorities to restore the conditions provided for in the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement. "Defending the interests of Mexican aviation, its airlines, its connectivity, and its workers must be a national priority, guaranteeing compliance with international commitments and the stability of a sector fundamental to the country's economic and social development," they asserted. ASPA's reaction comes after the U.S. government announced that starting November 7 (or earlier if decided by President Donald Trump), it will not authorize Aeroméxico's routes from AIFA to Houston and McAllen, Texas, to continue operating. It will also not allow Aeroméxico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus to initiate 11 new routes they had planned to the U.S., two of which would depart from Mexico City International Airport and nine from AIFA, as well as other restrictions. This morning, during her morning press conference, Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, rejected the measure and stated that "there is no reason" to cancel flights to U.S. territory.
