U.S. Ban on Mexican Flights Threatens Air Cargo Capacity
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has warned that the U.S. government’s decision to cancel 13 flight routes operated by Mexican airlines could severely impact cross-border supply chains. The cancellations are expected to sharply reduce air cargo capacity between two of North America’s largest trading partners.
Government Action and Market Impact
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that several Mexican carriers would lose permission to operate passenger flights into the United States. This decision effectively removes a substantial amount of belly-hold cargo space from the market, which many logistics companies rely on for essential freight operations.
According to the Department of Transportation, the total air freight value among the United States, Mexico, and Canada reached $6.1 billion in July 2025—a 22.9% increase compared with July 2024. This growth underscores the vital role air cargo plays in North American trade.
Industry Response
“The loss of these flights won’t just affect passengers; it pulls critical cargo capacity out of the market,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association.
“Forwarders depend on belly capacity to move everything from critical spare parts to fresh produce and medical supplies. Taking that away will strain supply chains that are already operating at tight margins.”
Fried called on policymakers to find cooperative solutions that protect freight connectivity, urging dialogue instead of restrictive measures that could damage trade stability.
Summary
The U.S. withdrawal of Mexican flight routes risks tightening already stretched cross-border logistics and raises concerns about maintaining reliable trade flows across North America.