Sheinbaum: No Reasons for US Sanctions Against Mexican Aviation

This article by Emir Olivares and Iván Saldaña originally appeared in the July 21, 2025 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier leftist daily newspaper.

Mexico City. “There is no reason for a sanction,” stressed President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo in response to the new front opened against Mexico by the Donald Trump administration, which threatened Mexican airlines with punishment.

The federal leader made it clear that Mexico “is a sovereign nation” and defended the decision to move cargo flights from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) to the new Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), as it was based on technical issues to guarantee air safety.

On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced in a statement a series of measures against Mexico—such as restricting the entry of flights from the country and removing the antitrust status of Delta’s partnership with Aeroméxico—due to the Mexican government’s decision to rescind some flight slots for U.S. airlines and, in 2023, force cargo airlines to relocate their operations from Mexico City to AIFA.

In this regard, President Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that her government has not yet been notified of this communication, and when it is, the content will be analyzed and dialogue will take place with both the companies and the Trump administration.

“There is no reason for a sanction, and the decision to establish the AIFA was a very good decision.”

She recalled that it was during the administration of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that the decision was made to cancel the Texcoco airport and build the Santa Lucía airport (AIFA) in its place. And subsequently, based on a technical review, cargo flights were moved there, in addition to reducing the number of passenger flights at the AICM.

“Some companies in the United States complained at the time that they were given little notice to relocate. Some, most, said it was much better; there isn’t as much traffic to move cargo, and they could go to other areas other than Mexico City.

“More than a year has passed (since the relocation), and companies have been adapting to this new circumstance, which is beneficial for everyone. “There is no reason to impose any sanctions related to this matter,” she stated.

The president insisted that in making this decision, “security was prioritized.”

Regarding the sanctions and compensatory quotas imposed on Mexico for the screwworm case and the closure of the border to Mexican livestock exports, and for the domestic tomato case in the second case, the president indicated that talks will continue.

In all negotiations with Washington, she said, “the objective is not to enter into any confrontation with the United States government; it is not in anyone’s interest. We must be responsible in this regard. We also want Mexico to be respected.”