Delta and Aeromexico Could Lose Joint Venture, Codeshare Agreement, and Antitrust Immunity

Updated: July 20, 2025, 3:19pm CDT

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Why Is This Happening?
Will Flights Between the U.S. and Mexico Be Affected?
Final Thoughts

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Delta and Aeromexico’s close-knit relationship is probably ending soon.

The 2 carriers currently benefit from a codeshare and joint venture agreement. This means that the airlines can currently collaborate on ticketing and schedules.

However, the Trump administration announced on Saturday, July 19, 2025, that this will come to an abrupt end.

Let’s take a look at why this is happening and what that could mean for your next trip to Mexico.

Why Is This Happening?

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

Rather, the DOT is allegedly hitting back at a decisions the Mexican government recently made to reduce slots for passenger flights 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 wants to immediately withdraw the antitrust immunity between Aeromexico and Delta. This is like 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.

Delta Airlines A220 and Boeing 757 at Minneapolis MSP — Delta plane at Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP). Image Credit: Daniel Ross

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schedules between the Mexico and the U.S. This will no longer be the case should the airlines’ antitrust approval be rescinded.

“[It] would cause significant harm to customers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico, as well as U.S. jobs, communities, and transborder competition,” said a spokesperson for Delta.

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.

Hot Tip:

Aeromexico and Delta aren’t the only airlines offering nonstop flights to Mexico. Here are the best ways to book your trip to Mexico using points and miles.

Final Thoughts

The news of the soon-to-come breakup of Aeromexico and Delta is telling of a period of uncertainty for air travel and airlines.

Given the constant headlines around tariffs and U.S. border issues, the timing of this DOT decision could give us a better idea of what is really going on.