DOT Ruling Forces End of Delta and Aeromexico Joint Venture in January

Delta and Aeromexico’s close-knit relationship will end on January 1, 2026.

We reported on the potential of a forced break-up back in July, and Delta has now confirmed that the partnership between the 2 airlines will end.

“We are disappointed that the Department of Transportation has chosen to terminate its approval of the strategic and pro-competitive partnership between Delta and Aeromexico, a decision that will cause significant harm to U.S. jobs, communities, and consumers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico,” the airline said in a statement.

Here’s more on what this means, and why the 2 airlines are being legally obliged to cut ties.

Why Are Delta and Aeromexico Terminating Their Joint Venture?

Delta and Mexican flag carrier Aeromexico currently benefit from a codeshare and joint venture agreement. This means that the airlines can currently collaborate on ticketing and schedules.

However, turbulence hit the pair on July 19, 2025, when the Trump administration announced plans to abruptly end the partnership.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) reasoning for the sanction against Aeromexico and Delta’s partnership had nothing to do with the airlines themselves.

Rather, the DOT was allegedly retaliating against the Mexican government’s recent decisions to reduce passenger flight slots and move all U.S. cargo operations to Mexico City’s second airport (NLU) — away from the main international airport (MEX).

“By restricting slots and mandating that all-cargo operations move out of MEX, Mexico has broken its promise, disrupted the market, and left American businesses holding the bag for millions in increased costs,” said a DOT spokesperson.

In retaliation, the DOT wanted to immediately withdraw Aeromexico’s and Delta’s antitrust immunity. Given the bureaucracy involved, the decision was only finalized now — almost 2 months later.

In effect, the airlines are downgrading their current relationship status from civil partnership level to mere acquaintances. Currently, their antitrust immunity lets them fix schedules and prices to avoid competing against each other and keep revenue as high as possible.

Will Flights Between the U.S. and Mexico Be Affected?

Yes, the move will directly affect flights operated by Aeromexico and Delta between the U.S. and Mexico — the country most visited by U.S. citizens.

Thanks to the current joint venture, Aeromexico and Delta are able work together on the pricing of fares and schedules between the Mexico and the U.S. This will no longer be the case once the joint venture ends on January 1, 2026.

The main impact on passengers will likely be higher fares. Thankfully, due to Aeromexico and Delta both being members of the SkyTeam alliance, passengers with both airlines will continue to enjoy reciprocal elite status perks and benefits when flying the other airline. And they will continue to be able to use miles from one airline to book flights on the other.

We can expect a further update from Delta as the airline is “reviewing the Department’s order and considering next steps.”

Final Thoughts

The news of Aeromexico and Delta’s sudden divorce is telling of a period of uncertainty for both airlines and for passengers.

Given the constant headlines around tariffs and U.S. border issues, the timing of this DOT decision could be a forecast of additional steps the administration will take in the future.