McAllen airport to lose Mexico City flight after U.S. takes action against Mexican airlines

The U.S. Department of Transportation on Monday ordered the cancellation of 13 Mexican-carrier routes to the United States — including Aeroméxico’s service between McAllen and Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport — citing violations of a 2015 bilateral aviation agreement.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the decision enforces “fair and reciprocal access” after Mexico restricted U.S. carrier growth while allowing Mexican airlines to expand operations north of the border. The order also freezes new Mexican-carrier service to the U.S. from both Felipe Ángeles and Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City.

For McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE), the loss of Aeroméxico’s flight will eliminate its only direct commercial connection to Mexico’s capital region. The route had been part of MFE’s effort to position itself as a binational gateway serving northern Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.

Airport and city officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the impact of the decision. 

The move could slow MFE’s efforts to attract additional international carriers or expand cross-border connectivity. 

The McAllen airport is among a handful of regional airports in Texas with scheduled service to Mexico.

The cancellations take effect within 30 days, according to the Transportation Department. Affected passengers are being directed to contact their airlines for alternative arrangements.

Each month, about 1,900 passengers arrived or departed McAllen International Airport on the Aeromexico flight, according to airport data.

The AeroMexico flight brought more than 16,800 passengers to McAllen, arriving in the U.S. from Mexico City between January and August 2025, data shows.