Aeromexico is adding nonstop service linking Mexico City with three American cities, with flights set to start in early 2027. The move comes after the U.S. Department of Transportation reversed a year-long order that had blocked Mexican carriers from expanding routes out of the Mexican capital.

New flight schedules

The airline will launch daily service using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, each configured with 166 seats. The new connections will roll out in stages throughout January:

Read also WestJet and Qatar Airways launch new codeshare travel partnership

  • Orange County, California (SNA): Starting January 11, 2027.
  • Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL): Starting January 14, 2027.
  • Portland, Oregon (PDX): Starting January 21, 2027.

Aeromexico claims it will be the only carrier providing direct service between Mexico City and these specific locations. The Portland route is expected to be the longest, with flight times nearing six hours.

How does the Delta partnership work?

These routes are part of a joint venture between Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines. This partnership allows the two carriers to coordinate their schedules, pricing, and capacity, effectively operating as a single entity in the market. Through this alliance, the network from Mexico City will expand to cover 27 different destinations in the United States.

Delta SkyMiles members can also earn and redeem points on Aeromexico flights, benefiting from reciprocal loyalty rewards.

What is the future of these routes?

While the recent lifting of DOT restrictions allows for this expansion, the aviation industry is watching potential safety rating changes. There are concerns that U.S. authorities could downgrade Mexico's aviation safety rating to Category 2 as early as February 2027.

Should such a downgrade occur, Mexican carriers would lose the ability to introduce any fresh flight paths to the United States, although they would be permitted to maintain their currently active schedules. This rating evaluates the nation's regulatory oversight rather than the specific safety records of individual airlines. If a downgrade happens, the new routes launched in January could be the final additions for the foreseeable future.

FAQ

Which cities will receive new nonstop service?

The new daily flights will connect Mexico City to Orange County, Fort Lauderdale, and Portland.

What happens if Mexico's safety rating is downgraded?

Mexican airlines would be prohibited from starting any new flight services to the U.S., but existing routes could continue to fly.