DOT Lifts Mexico City Carrier Restrictions
The US Department of Transportation has rescinded limits on Mexican airlines flying from Mexico City to the United States, as the FAA continues a safety audit of Mexico.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Mexico
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The US Department of Transportation has lifted restrictions on Mexican carriers operating from Mexico City to the US. The move comes while the Federal Aviation Administration remains in the midst of a safety audit of Mexico that followed a years-long safety downgrade.
Why it matters
The decision opens the door for Mexican airlines to expand service on routes from Mexico City to the US, which could affect travelers choosing between carriers and routes. Airlines are also weighing how the ongoing FAA audit could affect future operations.
The change rescinds prior US Department of Transportation restrictions on Mexican carriers flying from Mexico City, with no specific figures reported. The FAA's safety audit of Mexico remains open, and its result has not been announced.
The players
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The US federal agency responsible for aviation safety oversight, which issued the years-long safety downgrade for Mexico and is currently conducting a safety audit.
US Department of Transportation (DOT)
The US federal department that oversees air carrier operations and rescinded restrictions on Mexican carriers flying from Mexico City.
The details
Mexican carriers are working to take advantage of the DOT's decision to rescind restrictions on flights from Mexico City. The FAA is simultaneously conducting a safety audit that could lead to another downgrade for Mexico, a process that carriers expect will not result in a downgrade next year.
Timeline
Next year (2027): a possible FAA downgrade of Mexico is expected by carriers not to occur
Roadmap
Mexico's aviation safety rating has been under FAA review through the International Aviation Safety Assessment program, which triggered the years-long downgrade. The current audit will determine whether that status changes, and the DOT's rescinded restrictions show how carrier access is tied to that rating.
Travelers flying between Mexico City and the US may see more Mexican carrier options as airlines take advantage of the rescinded restrictions. Because the FAA audit is still underway, travelers planning future trips should check current carrier status before booking.
The takeaway
Lifted carrier restrictions can expand flight options quickly, but the FAA audit will determine how durable those gains are. Travelers should watch the audit's outcome before assuming long-term changes to service on Mexico City routes.
What happens next
Carriers expect the FAA audit to conclude without a downgrade next year, though the audit's outcome remains pending.
Further reading
For broader context on airline routes and travel conditions across the country, see the Mexico travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CAPA - Centre for Aviation.
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