Delta and Aeromexico will be able to continue operating their joint venture (JV) following a court ruling that dismisses a US government order to dissolve the JV due to an ongoing disagreement with Mexico over the 2015 U.S. – Mexico Air Transport Agreement.
In September last year, the US government’s Department of Transport (DOT) ordered Delta & Aeromexico to dissolve their JV by 1 January this year because it said Mexico had not been complying with the Agreement.
However, following a lengthy review of the legality of the DOT’s order to terminate the approval of the JV, last week the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the the DOT’s order, meaning the JV can continue operating as intended.
After the court ruling, Delta stated: “For nearly a decade, Delta’s joint cooperation agreement with Aeromexico has provided greater choice, more seamless travel, and increased connectivity for consumers while supporting U.S. jobs and economic growth.
“We appreciate the 11th Circuit’s careful review and remain focused on ensuring our customers, employees, and communities continue to benefit from this longstanding partnership.”
The US DOT said at the time of the order that Mexico’s behaviour was anti-competitive and disadvantaged US carriers, meaning Delta and Aeromexico had an unfair advantage.
The DOT placed restrictions on Mexico’s air cargo and passenger operations in July 2025, in response to what it said was “abuse” of the Agreement, but it said Mexico has since failed to take “meaningful action”.
According to the DOT, Mexico has not been in compliance with the agreement since carriers were required to shiift cargo operations from Benito Juarez International Airport, known as Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Felipe Angeles International Airport (AFIA), as reported by Air Cargo News in February 2023.
