US threatens Mexican airline flights over airline competition issues

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy testifies before a House Appropriations Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing, in Washington

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration said Saturday it is taking a series of actions against Mexico over the Mexican government’s decision in 2023 to rescind some flight slots for U.S. carriers and forced U.S. cargo carriers to relocate operations in Mexico City.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement the department could disapprove flight requests from Mexico if the goverment fails to address U.S. concerns. The department is also proposing to withdraw antitrust immunity from the Delta Air Lines joint venture with Aeromexico to address competitive issues in the market.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Diane Craft)