On October 16, 2026, the US Department of Transportation eased restrictions that had limited Mexican airlines' ability to introduce new routes from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).

According to FL360aero, citing a Reuters report, Mexican carriers can now pursue new US services from both airports, though schedule-filing and approval requirements remain in place.

Mexico's foreign affairs and communications ministries confirmed the decision, and carriers Viva and Aeroméxico said it would strengthen connectivity between the two countries.

The move reverses a dispute that had escalated since 2022, when Mexico cut flight operations at AICM and relocated cargo operations to AIFA, prompting Washington to argue the changes violated the 2015 bilateral air transport agreement.

FL360aero recounts that in October 2025 the DOT cancelled approval for 13 existing or planned Mexican-carrier routes involving AICM and AIFA, blocking combination passenger-and-cargo services to AIFA and freezing growth to AICM.

The lifting of those curbs marks what FL360aero calls a significant step toward resolving the long-running standoff.

The path forward ran through a preliminary understanding reached on May 5, 2026, under which Mexico committed to improving transparent and fair airport-slot allocation at AICM and addressing US concerns.

FL360aero notes that Washington at the time stressed commitments alone were insufficient, and restrictions stayed in force until progress was made.

In the October decision, the US government said Mexico had taken steps to address compliance concerns, while Reuters reported Mexico's government framed the outcome as the result of continued dialogue.

FL360aero also cautions this is not a new FAA safety-rating restoration: Mexico regained its Category 1 rating back in September 2023.

For travelers, FL360aero reports the decision could eventually mean additional nonstop destinations, increased frequencies and improved US–Mexico connectivity, although no automatic launch of new routes has been confirmed.

Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus gain greater flexibility to plan transborder services, subject to regulatory approvals.

Two other US orders connected to the dispute remain in force, according to a US official cited by FL360aero, and Washington will monitor Mexico's implementation of its commitments.

The outcome also matters for competition between AICM, the capital's principal gateway, and AIFA, which was developed to relieve pressure on it.

FL360aero says the immediate question is how quickly Mexican airlines translate the regulatory change into new or expanded services, with further progress depending on airline planning, approvals and continued implementation of the May commitments.

The easing opens what the outlet calls a new chapter for transborder aviation, even with some measures still active.

Route expansion is also moving elsewhere in North American travel: Travel Radar reports that Avelo Airlines will add nonstop Florida service from McKinney International Airport to Sarasota-Bradenton (from Dec. 16) and West Palm Beach (from Dec.

17), bringing its McKinney network to 11 nonstop routes and lifting Las Vegas service to six weekly flights.