How Mexico’s Forced Cargo Airport Shift is Shaking Up Cross-Border Air Freight and Logistic Flows

Understanding Mexico’s Cargo Airport Relocation and the US Response

In 2023, Mexico made a bold move by relocating all US all-cargo carriers from its bustling Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) to the newer Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), situated over 20 miles north of Mexico City. This decision, announced with just 108 business days’ notice, aimed at easing congestion at MEX but has since sparked significant controversy and pushback from US regulators and businesses.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) didn’t take this lightly. By mid-2025, it unleashed a series of enforcement measures invoking regulations under Part 212 and Part 213, notably targeting antitrust immunity arrangements between Delta and Aeromexico. The groundwork for these actions includes a “show-cause” order questioning the competitive fairness of the enforced relocation.

The Enforcement Toolbox and Its Practical Effects

Here’s what the US DOT has done to push back:

• Part 213 Orders: Mexican carriers must now submit detailed timetables for all flights involving the US, increasing oversight on scheduling and operations.
• Part 212 Approvals: Prior DOT approval is required for large passenger and cargo charter flights entering the US, adding a layer of control to cross-border air operations.
• Show-Cause on Antitrust Immunity: Proposes removal of antitrust protections for the Delta–Aeromexico joint venture. Without immunity, these airlines’ ability to coordinate pricing and scheduling might be curtailed, reshaping competitive dynamics.

Trade and Logistics in the Crosshairs

Trade relations between the US and Mexico are enormous, with two-way merchandise exchanged amounting to around US$840 billion in 2024. Air cargo forms the lifeblood of many sectors, notably automotive and agriculture, which rely on rapid, reliable shipments.

The move to AIFA has added a logistical wrinkle because MEX is strategically located near Mexico City’s core industrial hubs and integrated with the most robust ground transportation networks. AIFA’s more remote location means additional transit time and higher costs—things that matter a ton for businesses where every hour counts.

Impact on Air Cargo Volumes and Supply Chains

Mexico’s total air cargo volume decreased by roughly 5.2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Strikingly, despite MEX losing US cargo carriers, it saw a slight cargo increase, whereas Felipe Ángeles Airport experienced a significant drop, ironically undermining the original goal of congestion relief and efficiency improvement.

Business and Political Reactions

US cargo carriers have mostly rallied behind the DOT’s stance, deeming it a necessary defense for fair market competition and access. The Cargo Airline Association praised the move as a guard against anti-competitive practices.

On the flip side, Delta Air Lines voiced concerns warning that pulling antitrust immunity could be a blow to consumers, jobs, and healthy competition. Meanwhile, Mexico’s leadership defended the relocation as a forward-looking solution, with some Mexican carriers expressing optimism for a negotiated compromise to de-escalate tensions.

A Delicate Dance of Diplomacy and Commerce

• Mexico’s president has rejected the US sanctions narrative, emphasizing the long-term benefits of AIFA.
• Industry voices like Volaris’s CEO stress dialogue, reflecting a preference for negotiation over confrontation.

What Lies Ahead for North American Air Cargo Logistics?

This dispute isn’t just about airports—it cuts deep into the reliability and predictability businesses expect in their supply chains. The three North American countries joined under the USMCA trade framework count on streamlined aviation policies to keep goods flowing swiftly, especially high-value, time-sensitive shipments.

If the DOT’s enforcement moves push Mexico to reconsider or renegotiate, it could restore some balance, but a prolonged hitch risks setting a worrying precedent: that air cargo access can be reshaped by governmental diktat rather than market realities. For logistics professionals, carriers, and manufacturers on both sides, the outcome is critical not only to cross-border freight volumes but the future of regulatory collaboration.

Samenvatting van de belangrijkste punten

• Forced relocation of US all-cargo carriers from MEX to AIFA by Mexico was intended as a congestion fix but led to disruptions and inefficiencies.
• US DOT responded with regulatory enforcement aimed at protecting competitive access and questioning antitrust arrangements.
• The relocation has increased costs and transit times, hitting US exporters and Mexican industries reliant on reliable parts shipments.
• Data shows a decline in overall cargo throughput in Mexico, with the new airport underperforming relative to expectations.
• The dispute underscores vulnerabilities in North American aviation policy under USMCA and its impact on cross-border freight logistics.

Why Personal Experience Matters and How GetTransport.com Fits In

There’s no substitute for hands-on experience when navigating complex cargo logistics under shifting regulations. Even the most thorough reviews and accurate feedback can’t fully capture the nuances and surprises on the ground—or in the air.

With platforms like GetTransport.com, shippers can access a global network of affordable and reliable cargo transportation solutions tailored for office and home relocations, vehicle shipments, furniture transport, and heavy consignments. This transparency and convenience offer peace of mind, enabling smart decisions that avoid costly delays or disruptions.

Whether you’re moving bulky goods across borders or simply shipping urgent parcels, GetTransport.com streamlines the process and offers competitive pricing that fits today’s dynamic logistics landscape. Get the best offers on your next cargo shipment at GetTransport.com.

Looking Forward: Logistics and Trade on the Brink

Globally, the immediate impact of Mexico’s relocation isn’t earth-shattering, but it rings loud for North America’s aviation logistics. Disruptions like these remind us that reliable infrastructure and fair market access are the backbone of international trade and supply chain efficiency.

GetTransport.com keeps a finger on the pulse of such developments, ensuring users leverage logistics solutions adaptable to evolving challenges. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com.

Conclusie

The reshuffling of air cargo operations between Mexico’s two airports highlights how regulatory decisions directly affect freight transport, shipment timings, and supply chain dynamics. Higher costs and longer transit times not only inconvenience exporters and importers but also ripple through manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

Amid these shifts, pragmatic platforms like GetTransport.com step in to bridge gaps, offering reliable, affordable, and flexible freight and courier services spanning parcels to bulky international shipments. By simplifying dispatch, haulage, and forwarding needs, GetTransport.com plays a crucial role in sustaining smooth cargo flows during uncertain times and changing policy landscapes.