Delta partner Aeromexico unveils 3 new cities in US expansion

Delta partner Aeromexico unveils 3 new cities in US expansionDelta partner Aeromexico unveils 3 new cities in US expansionThe cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Delta Air Lines flyers will have three new options to Mexico City come January.Partner and fellow SkyTeam Alliance member Aeromexico plans to launch new service from Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to:Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) on Jan. 14, 2027John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County, California, on Jan. 11, 2027Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon on Jan. 21, 2027Bargain hunting: The best time to book flights for cheap airfareAll three routes will operate daily with a Boeing 737 MAX 8 outfitted with 166 seats.Aeromexico and Delta have an immunized joint venture between the U.S. and Mexico that allows them to operate as essentially one airline in the market. The pact allows them to coordinate commercial activities, from schedules to fares, and jointly sell each other's flights in both markets.Delta SkyMiles loyalty program members receive reciprocal loyalty benefits on Aeromexico flights, and can earn and redeem points.Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico signs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYPotential limits on Mexican airlinesThe new Aeromexico routes come amid concerns that U.S. authorities could downgrade Mexico's safety rating to Category 2 as soon as February 2027. The rating is a measure of a country's aviation safety regime and regulator, and not of the safety of any one individual airline. If a downgrade occurs, Mexican airlines would be barred from adding new flights to the U.S., though they could continue operating existing schedules.A downgrade of Mexico's rating does not change U.S. airlines' ability to serve the country.Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletterJoin over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s expertsBy signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.The new routes from Aeromexico, and competitor Volaris, come ahead of the potential downgrade. Since August, discounter Volaris has unveiled new service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Nashville International Airport (BNA), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with flights beginning before the end of the year.Mexico's safety rating was previously Category 2 from 2021 through 2023.The potential downgrade is the latest in a years-long tiff between the U.S. and Mexico over air service. The disagreement dates to 2022 when a second airport for Mexico City, Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), opened and the Mexican government unilaterally reduced the number of slots available at MEX.More: What are airport slots, and how do they affect your flights?That prompted complaints from airlines and claims by U.S. officials that Mexico was in violation of the countries' open skies agreement. The dispute culminated when the Department of Transportation moved to end the Delta-Aeromexico joint venture in 2024 and barring Mexican airlines from adding new U.S. flights from Mexico City.A court ruled in August that the joint venture could continue and, earlier in October, the DOT lifted its restrictions on Mexican airlines adding U.S. flights from Mexico City.An airplane of Aeromexico sits on the tarmac at Mexico City's international airport. (PEDRO PARDO/AFP via Getty Images)Delta strongholds with no competitionAeromexico's new routes link its Mexico City to strong Delta cities in the U.S. PDX, for example, was the airline's main gateway to Asia until the 2000s and it retains a large loyalty base in the city, though Alaska Airlines is now the dominant carrier there.Similarly at FLL, Delta is the largest network carrier at the airport and second there only to market leader JetBlue Airways.Aeromexico will have its three new markets to itself: no airlines fly from MEX to either FLL, PDX or SNA, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows.Related reading:Your complete guide to the Delta SkyMiles programBest Delta credit cardsWhat is Delta Air Lines elite status worth?Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flightsFeatured image by FABRIZIO GANDOLFO/GETTY IMAGESEditorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.