Mexico and U.S. Strengthen Aeronautic Cooperation

Mexico and the United States have agreed to strengthen technical cooperation on aviation safety, modernize air navigation systems, and harmonize regulations following a meeting between aviation authorities from both countries. The agreement marks an important development for the future of bilateral air connectivity.

The meeting took place in October and was attended by Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation (SICT); Bryan Bedford, Administrator of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and Ronald Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

During the meeting, Mexican authorities presented progress in updating the country's aviation regulatory framework to ensure continued alignment with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). They also discussed measures to strengthen the operational, technical, and financial capabilities of the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), which is responsible for regulating and overseeing Mexico's aviation sector.

U.S. authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing cooperation, particularly in technological modernization, air traffic control system upgrades, and stronger operational safety procedures.

The agreement follows an announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that it would lift restrictions that had prevented Mexican airlines from launching new routes and increasing flight frequencies between Mexico City International Airport (AICM) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) and destinations in the United States.

The restrictions were imposed in October 2025 amid a dispute over compliance with the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement, particularly regarding the allocation of landing and takeoff slots at the AICM and changes to air cargo operations.

Although the decision marks progress in bilateral relations, market access and aviation safety oversight remain subject to separate regulatory processes.

The technical cooperation is particularly significant given the need to modernize aviation infrastructure, accommodate growing demand for air travel, and strengthen oversight of commercial aviation operations.

For Mexico's aviation industry, the coming months will be crucial in evaluating the implementation of the regulatory and technical commitments made by both countries and their impact on Mexican airlines' ability to expand their international operations.