Delta, Aeroméxico Fight Alliance Dissolution

United States — Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico have filed a legal appeal to challenge a decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that orders them to dissolve their joint venture by January 1. The measure, driven by the administration of Donald Trump, aims to halt what it considers a practice that limits competition on air routes between the two countries.

The alliance, considered a model of international cooperation in the aeronautical sector, has allowed both companies to coordinate prices, schedules, and flight capacity, generating benefits for both the airlines and passengers. However, the U.S. government maintains that this type of agreement can restrict free competition, affecting other companies in the market.

The Origin and Benefits of the Delta-Aeroméxico Alliance

The joint venture between Delta and Aeroméxico was approved in 2016 under the framework of an open skies agreement between Mexico and the United States, which sought to promote greater air connectivity. Through this agreement, both airlines could coordinate their operations as a single entity, share revenue, and offer improvements to the passenger experience.

Thanks to this collaboration, the two companies expanded their route network and offered more daily frequencies between key cities such as Mexico City, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit. Furthermore, they integrated their frequent flyer programs, optimized connection times, and improved operational efficiency at shared airports.

The model, similar to those that exist between other major international airlines like American Airlines–British Airways or United–Lufthansa, was seen as an example of strategic cooperation between North American companies. For nearly a decade, Delta and Aeroméxico dominated close to 30% of bilateral air traffic, boosting tourism and business between both countries.

The Arguments of the U.S. Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its decision not to renew the antitrust immunity that allowed Delta and Aeroméxico to operate in a coordinated fashion. According to the agency, the alliance created competitive imbalances on several routes where both companies concentrate a large part of the market, preventing the entry of new competitors.

The U.S. government justified the measure as part of a broader series of actions aimed at reviewing the regulation of Mexican aviation. In particular, it pointed to concerns about Mexico's loss of its Category 1 status in aviation safety (regained in 2023), and about commercial agreements that could have limited the access of U.S. airlines to the Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

The order stipulates that the dissolution of the joint venture must be finalized before January 1, 2026, although both companies have requested a temporary suspension while the legal appeal is reviewed.

The Response of Delta and Aeroméxico

In a joint statement, Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico described the DOT's decision as "unjustified and inconsistent with the reality of the current market." The airlines emphasized that their alliance has allowed for greater connectivity, better fares, and tangible benefits for millions of passengers, especially on routes where direct options did not previously exist.

Both companies filed an appeal with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, seeking to reverse the measure and preserve the existing operational agreements while the case is resolved. According to their lawyers, the Department did not demonstrate that the alliance negatively affected competition or consumers.

"This model has strengthened economic cooperation between Mexico and the United States. Breaking it will not only affect the airlines, but also bilateral trade and tourism," stated a spokesperson for Aeroméxico.

Delta, for its part, assured that it will continue working with the authorities to "defend a fair and predictable regulatory framework."

Potential Effects on the Air Market

If the dissolution is confirmed, the impact would be significant. The separation of both airlines could reduce the supply of direct flights, increase prices on key routes, and limit the benefits of technological and logistical integration achieved in recent years.

Frequent passengers could also be affected, as the alliance allows for the accumulation and redemption of miles crosswise, access to shared VIP lounges, and faster connections between flights operated by both companies.

Sector experts predict that, in the event of a breakup, U.S. airlines could seek new partnerships in the Mexican market, while Aeroméxico would have to rethink its international strategy, especially in the face of growth from competitors like Viva Aerobus and Volaris.

A Conflict with Political and Economic Implications

The case has not only a business component, but also a political one. The measure occurs in a context of commercial tensions between the United States and Mexico, and amid the protectionist rhetoric of the Donald Trump administration, which seeks to reinforce U.S. control over strategic sectors.

For analysts, the outcome of this conflict will set an important precedent for the future of international alliances in aviation. If the appeal is successful, it could lay the groundwork for a more flexible regulatory framework; if not, it would imply a setback in air integration between the two countries.

The legal battle between Delta and Aeroméxico and the U.S. Department of Transportation reflects the tension between commercial cooperation and the defense of competition. While the airlines argue that their alliance benefits consumers, Washington insists it is necessary to guarantee an open and balanced market.

In any scenario, the resolution of this case will have lasting effects on the North American air sector, the bilateral economic relationship, and the future of international alliances in the aviation industry.