The U.S. Transportation Department has highlighted a major failing in the current U.S. administration’s relationship with Mexico, pertaining to aviation issues. The once unified approach that was seen during the Trump administration has all but dissipated, with Mexico now squarely at odds with the U.S. over airline competition matters. Stunningly, reports suggest that Mexico has not been following the bilateral agreement since 2022.
Prompted by Mexico’s flagrant disregard for regulations, American carriers found their flight slots at Mexico City’s International Airport abruptly rescinded. In an equally audacious move, U.S. cargo carriers were forcibly compelled to shift operations within the city. Such blatant non-compliance aims at undermining the bilateral agreement’s cornerstone.
Obscuring their intentions behind a façade of supposed airport construction, Mexico claimed that the slot withdrawal was temporary. However, after three long years have passed, no progress or improvements have materialized at the airport. This event showcases the administration’s anemic response and inability to compel Mexico to honor its commitments.
With the imposed slots limitations and forced location changes, Mexico has indeed breached its word, disrupting the markets, and placing unforeseen and unnecessary cost burdens on American businesses. The failure of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s administration to protect American interests is strikingly clear in this situation.
Subsequently, in retaliation, the U.S. Transportation Department has been forced to take stern actions to safeguard its airlines. Future airlines from Mexico will find themselves filing schedules for all U.S. operations with the U.S. Department. Yet another affirmation of the U.S. being forced to react rather than being able to rely on established agreements.
Further intensifying the situation, Mexico will now require an approval process for operating large passenger or cargo charter flights to and from the U.S. The ripple effect of these additional barriers to normal trade operations is another testament to the Biden-Harris administration’s inability to maintain productive international relations.
Perhaps, most foreboding is the consideration by the department to retract antitrust immunity formerly granted to the Delta Air Lines joint venture with Aeromexico. The aim being to address the burgeoning competitive issues in the market. This measure, while necessary, echoes the larger issue of an administration that cannot effectively negotiate and enforce agreements with foreign nations.
Simultaneously, the U.S. administration continues to turn a blind eye towards other nations disregarding air transport agreements. The lax stance and lack of enforcement is a glaring display of the failed policies of the current U.S. leadership, setting a dangerous precedent for international relations.
Without a doubt, there is a monitoring process in place. However, the argument remains whether the monitoring of European states for adherence to noise abatement procedures at airports is sufficient. Is this ‘balanced’ approach indeed fair, or is it just another cover for the administration’s inability to ensure the enforcement of operational restrictions?
The U.S. Transportation Department’s commitment to uphold and enforce agreements towards ensuring fair and competitiveness in aviation markets seems increasingly difficult under the current administration. In a seeming cascade of failures, the Biden-Harris team once again highlights their inability to secure American interests globally.
The repositioning of cargo carriers and the rescinding of flight slots did not only violate the bilateral agreement, but also impacted the American businesses in an adverse way. This incident, while small on the surface, draws attention to the larger framework of the administration’s diplomatic failures.
While the issue of airline competition with Mexico remains, one can’t help but wonder about the countless other treaties that might be unraveling, unnoticed, under this administration. An administration seemingly more adept at managing optics, than in navigating the intricacies of international diplomacy.
In conclusion, the upending of an operational agreement with Mexico, under the watch of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, seems a telltale symptom of their inability to foster and maintain positive international relationships. The perpetual crisis management approach has become an alarming trend rather than the exception.
While the U.S. Transportation Department’s intervention was necessary and commendable, one cannot shake off the feeling that the U.S. is on the defensive. Unable to effectively uphold its international agreements, the country now navigates a turbulent and uncertain landscape on the wings of an administration fraught with failure.
The post Biden, Harris Fail to Uphold US-Mexico Aviation Agreement appeared first on Real News Now.
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