A U.S. federal appeals court has saved the major alliance between Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico, overruling a government attempt to shut it down, Aviation Week reports.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) previously ordered the two airlines to end their partnership, claiming the Mexican government broke international aviation rules by restricting flights at Mexico City International Airport. However, the court ruled that the U.S. government acted “arbitrarily and unreasonably,” halting the breakup.
What the Partnership Actually Does
Since 2016, Delta and Aeroméxico have operated a joint venture. This legal approval allows them to act essentially as one single airline on routes between the U.S. and Mexico—coordinating flight schedules, setting ticket prices together, and sharing revenue.
Because both airlines are also major partners in the SkyTeam alliance alongside KLM, this network extends far beyond just North America.
The Amsterdam Connection and What This Means for European Travelers
For passengers flying out of Europe, particularly via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the court’s decision is welcome news for network stability:
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Direct Flights Stay Protected: Aeroméxico operates direct daily flights between Amsterdam and Mexico City. Under the SkyTeam umbrella, these flights connect seamlessly with KLM’s European network and Delta’s massive transborder system.
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Seamless Connections Across the Americas: A passenger flying from Amsterdam can catch an Aeroméxico flight to Mexico City, and easily transfer onto Delta or Aeroméxico flights down to regional Mexican cities or into the U.S., using a single ticket, shared baggage check-in, and reciprocal frequent flyer perks (such as earning KLM Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles).
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Averted Route Cuts & Price Hikes: Had the alliance been forcibly dismantled, Delta and Aeroméxico warned they would have been forced to cancel up to 21 cross-border routes and reduce capacity. Less competition and fewer combined schedules usually mean higher ticket prices and awkward layovers for international travelers connecting through major hubs like Mexico City or Delta’s U.S. gateways.
By blocking the government’s order, the court ensures that seamless flight schedules, shared loyalty benefits, and joint routes across the transatlantic and U.S.–Mexico networks remain fully intact for now.
