Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum is pushing back against a Trump administration order to block new U.S.-Mexico City routes flown by Mexican airlines.
Speaking during a press briefing, Sheinbaum called the Transportation Department order unfounded.
"It could be political interests. It could be an interest in supporting some companies over others, including American ones," she said.
The DOT on Oct. 28 published an order blocking 13 U.S. routes from Mexico City that would be operated by Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris.
The DOT said it took the action because the Mexican government placed capacity restrictions on Benito Juarez Airport to feed more traffic to a secondary airport, Felipe Angeles. The Mexican government also ordered all Mexico City-area cargo flights to operate out of Felipe Angeles. The Trump administration claims those moves violated the U.S.-Mexico Open Skies air transport agreement.
Sheinbaum said Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs would request a meeting to discuss the matter with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. She also plans to meet with leaders from Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris to hear their perspective.
The DOT last month ordered Aeromexico and Delta to dissolve their joint venture before the new year, claiming that the partnership also violates the Open Skies agreement. The airlines are appealing the order.