Mexico City Airport Returns Slots to US Airlines

Mexico City — Following a threat from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to cancel the alliance between Aeroméxico and Delta over the loss of slots at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM), United Airlines stated that Mexican officials informed them this Thursday, as well as Delta, American Airlines, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), that the slots taken from them in 2022 would be restored at the AICM.

The AICM reportedly informed the U.S. airlines that the return of the slots will be carried out gradually due to existing scheduling for holiday periods such as summer and winter. Furthermore, the AICM announced an increase in operations per hour, moving from 43 to 44.

However, neither the airport nor the Mexican Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT) has officially confirmed the return of the slots, despite the information being known within the aeronautical sector.

United has made this information public amid its defense of its alliance with the Japanese airline ANA and to highlight differences with the arguments Delta has also presented in its defense.

The alliance between Aeroméxico and Delta is at risk, and estimates indicate the Mexican company would be the most affected if the DOT decides to cancel it.

One of the negative effects would be the inability to share routes and aircraft, which would increase operational costs and ticket prices.