The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has placed new restrictions on Mexico's air cargo and passenger operations, citing violations of the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and anti-competitive behaviour, reports London's Air Cargo News.

Mexican airlines must now file schedules for all US operations and obtain prior DOT approval for large charter flights. The move follows Mexico's forced shift of cargo operations from Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Felipe Angeles International Airport (AFIA).

The DOT said Mexico disrupted the market by removing US all-cargo carriers from MEX with only 108 business days' notice and has failed to restore their operating rights under the agreement.

Mexico claimed the shift to AFIA would enable construction to ease congestion at MEX, but the DOT noted that no such construction has materialised three years later.

Mexico has also not returned MEX slots removed from American, Delta, United, Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris in 2022 due to capacity constraints.

A supplemental Show Cause Order proposes withdrawing antitrust immunity for the Delta/Aeromexico joint venture. The DOT said Mexico's actions harm market access, competition, and time-sensitive cargo flows.

The DOT warned it may disapprove future flight requests from Mexico if corrective action is not taken. European airports are also under review to ensure compliance with noise abatement rules.