US sanctions Mexico over cargo flights: Sheinbaum responds

It all started with a complaint. The major U.S. cargo airlines raised their voices against Mexico, accusing Claudia Sheinbaum's administration of not allowing certain essential air transport operations. But this isn't about commercial flights or multimillion-dollar packages. The focus of the conflict is on something more technical: the co-termination and repositioning of aircraft, essential maneuvers in modern air logistics.

According to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) documents, Mexico has prevented U.S. companies from operating non-profit domestic flights—such as shuttling empty planes between Mexican airports—in violation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed between the two nations.

Co-termination allows a foreign airline to make multiple stops in a country without picking up local cargo. In other words, a company like FedEx or UPS can land in Monterrey, then in Guadalajara, and from there fly to Miami with international cargo. This optimizes resources and reduces costs.

But Mexican authorities, through the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC), have not granted the necessary permits for these flights. According to the DOT, this violates the agreement signed by both governments.

Faced with this noncompliance, the Donald Trump administration did not sit idly by. Starting this month, the U.S. will require more advance notice for large-scale charter flights from Mexico , as a means of ensuring bilateral commitments are met.

In addition, it was warned that unannounced charter flights will not be permitted, which will directly affect Mexican airlines that rely on this type of logistics operations.

The AFAC confirmed that it had been notified since May 9 and, in response, issued a reminder to airport commanders about the rights of US airlines. However, effective compliance has not yet been demonstrated, according to Washington.

Sources close to Sheinbaum's team claim that the president-elect considers the retaliation "exaggerated" and will seek direct mediation with the US administration. There are no official statements yet, but everything indicates that the presidential transition will be marked by this diplomatic tension.

In addition to the blow to their international reputation, sanctions could hamper export logistics, e-commerce, and product delivery times between the two countries.

Mexico, as the United States' largest trading partner in 2025, could suffer logistical disruptions that escalate into economic problems if the conflict is not resolved.