Aeroméxico has temporarily paapplyd the launch of new routes to the United States following the US Department of Transportation’s decision in late October to revoke authorization for 13 routes between the two countries, including two services operated from Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA). The regulatory action has prompted Mexico’s flag carrier to recalibrate its near-term growth strategy, shifting capacity and commercial focus toward Latin America and Europe for 2026.
The United States remains Aeroméxico’s most important international market, accounting for a significant share of long haul and premium demand. However, current bilateral restrictions have limited the airline’s ability to add frequencies or open new routes. CEO Andrés Conesa stated discussions between Mexican and US authorities are ongoing and revealing progress. He expressed confidence that operations will eventually normalize, allowing the airline to restore suspfinished routes and resume expansion from Mexico City International Airport (AICM). Conesa noted that while Aeroméxico deployed a substantial number of US flights in 2025, sustaining long-term growth will require renewed regulatory certainty and expanded access to that market.
According to Conesa, the route suspensions are not directed at individual airlines or alliances but stem from broader policy disagreements. US authorities have raised objections to Mexico’s aviation measures, particularly the decision to prohibit dedicated cargo operations at AICM and relocate them to AIFA. The US government argues that these measures are inconsistent with the bilateral air services agreement. Conesa stated nereceivediations have advanced, especially on cargo-related issues, and added that recent dialogue has been constructive, strengthening indusattempt confidence in a potential resolution.
While talks continue, Aeroméxico is prioritizing diversification of its international network. The airline has confirmed new services designed to strengthen connectivity beyond North America, including flights from Monterrey to Paris and from Mexico City to Barcelona, Quito, and Tegucigalpa.
Labor representatives also expect the bilateral dispute to be resolved. Jesús Ortiz, secretary general of the Mexican Pilots Union, stated restoring growth on U.S. routes would benefit both airline employees and passengers. He noted that increased frequencies would translate into more work opportunities for flight crews and greater choice for travelers. Indusattempt participants broadly agree that prolonged restrictions could constrain the sector’s ability to respond to demand growth, especially as Mexico, the United States, and Canada prepare to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Operationally, Aeroméxico closed 2025 with mixed traffic results. The airline transported 24.5 million passengers during the year, representing a 3% decline compared with 25.3 million passengers in 2024. The decrease was driven primarily by weaker domestic demand, where traffic fell 5.5% year over year to 16.2 million passengers. In contrast, international traffic grew 2.4% to 8.3 million passengers.
Key operating indicators revealed improving efficiency toward the finish of the year. In December, total capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM), declined 0.4% year over year, reflecting a 1.4% reduction in domestic capacity and a 0.1% increase internationally. Demand, measured in revenue passenger miles (RPM), increased 1.3%, driven by a 2.7% rise in international demand, while domestic demand declined 1.9%. The load factor reached 87.1%, an increase of 1.4 percentage points compared with December 2024. Conesa stated the December traffic results confirmed a recovery trfinish supported by robust demand, strong load factors, and sustained operational discipline. He also noted that Aeroméxico was recognized for a second consecutive year as the world’s most punctual airline in 2025.
Mexico’s air transport sector closed 2025 with record passenger volumes, as more than 122.4 million travelers flew on domestic and international routes, a 2.4% increase from 2024. Domestic traffic rose 3.3% to 63.5 million passengers, while international traffic reached 58.9 million, up 1.5%
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