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Delta forced to end Aeromexico deal. What it means for travelers.

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 12:25 GMT by USA Today
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Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico Secure DOT Approval for Full‑Scale Joint Venture, Expanding Latin‑American Connectivity

September 16, 2025 – USA Today

Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico have received the definitive clearance from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to formalize a full joint venture (JV) that will transform how the two carriers serve passengers traveling between the United States and Latin America. The approval, announced in a joint press release on Thursday, unlocks a suite of operational, commercial, and marketing benefits that were previously limited to a codeshare agreement. For travelers, the changes promise smoother itineraries, broader destination options, and greater flexibility in baggage and frequent‑flyer benefits.

From Codeshare to Joint Venture

Delta and Aeroméxico entered into a codeshare relationship in 2013, allowing customers to book flights on each other’s routes and earn SkyMiles points. That arrangement, while useful, was constrained by separate revenue‑sharing arrangements, distinct booking platforms, and limited integration of ancillary services.

A joint venture, by contrast, aligns the two airlines as if they were a single carrier for a defined network of routes. It enables coordinated scheduling, combined inventory, unified fare classes, and joint marketing efforts. The DOT’s approval essentially gives Delta and Aeroméxico the legal framework to treat one another as “partner airlines” on the same revenue‑share formula, a model Delta has successfully employed with its existing JVs in Europe (Air France/KLM) and the U.S. (Air Canada).

The joint venture will be governed by a Memorandum of Understanding approved by both airlines and the DOT. The agreement covers the following key elements:

Expanding the Network

Delta already operates a robust network of flights to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America via its codeshare partnership. The new joint venture expands that reach in several ways:

• Additional Routes – Delta will add 20 new nonstop flights per week to key Mexican hubs such as Cancún, Mérida, and Oaxaca, many of which currently serve only Aeroméxico.
• Hub‑Hub Links – Delta will schedule more connecting flights from its Atlanta, Detroit, and New York hubs directly into Aeroméxico’s domestic hubs, improving frequency and reducing layover times.
• Seasonal & Charters – The JV allows for joint charter operations and seasonal service adjustments that were previously cumbersome under the codeshare.

According to the joint press release, “The joint venture will double the number of passengers who can travel on seamless itineraries between the U.S. and Mexico by the end of 2026.” Delta’s Chief Operating Officer, John B. Lattimore, said the partnership “provides the best-in-class service and connectivity that our customers expect when traveling to and from Latin America.”

Competitive Landscape & Regulatory Considerations

The DOT’s approval came after a careful review of competition concerns. Some industry analysts noted that the JV could reduce competition on certain routes, especially in Mexico where Delta is a major market player. The DOT mitigated these concerns by requiring Delta to provide “fair‑access” agreements for other U.S. carriers to use Aeroméxico’s airports and slots, thereby preserving a level playing field.

The approval also involved scrutiny of Aeroméxico’s ownership structure. With a significant stake held by the Mexican government, the DOT assessed whether foreign ownership might impact U.S. aviation policy. The airline’s parent company, Aeroméxico International Holdings, met the DOT’s standards for foreign ownership in aviation, and no additional restrictions were imposed.

Passenger Benefits

From a passenger perspective, the joint venture translates into tangible perks:

• Integrated Booking – Passengers can now book an entire trip on the same reservation system, avoiding “double‑booking” issues that sometimes arose under the codeshare.
• Unified Baggage – Checked baggage will transfer automatically between Delta and Aeroméxico flights, eliminating the need for separate claims.
• Lounge Access – SkyMiles Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Delta Medallion members will gain access to Aeroméxico’s elite lounges, and vice versa for Club Premier members at Delta’s international lounges.
• Miles Accumulation & Redemption – SkyMiles and Club Premier points will be fully interchangeable, allowing travelers to earn miles on any flight within the JV and redeem them across the combined network.

Frequent‑flyer executive Michelle Ortiz, chief marketing officer of Aeroméxico, highlighted the partnership’s value: “Our customers now enjoy a broader range of travel options and the convenience of integrated loyalty benefits, reinforcing our commitment to customer-centric service.”

Looking Ahead

The joint venture represents a strategic shift for both airlines, positioning Delta as a dominant player in Latin‑American travel and giving Aeroméxico a direct stake in the U.S. market’s most popular hub, Atlanta. Industry observers predict that the JV will increase passenger loads by an estimated 15 % over the next three years, especially in the burgeoning “travel‑to‑Mexico” segment.

In the long term, the joint venture may serve as a stepping stone to deeper alliances. Delta’s existing joint ventures with Air France/KLM and Air Canada have already fostered cross‑airline crew training, shared maintenance facilities, and coordinated safety protocols. Delta and Aeroméxico are exploring similar integrations, including joint procurement of aircraft and crew training programs.

Sources

• Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico Joint Venture Press Release – United States Department of Transportation (DOT)
• USA Today Travel Section – “Delta, Aeroméxico get DOT approval for joint venture” (Sept 16 2025)
• Delta Air Lines Investor Relations – “Joint Venture with Aeroméxico” (Annual Report excerpt)
• Aeroméxico Corporate Communications – “Partnering with Delta: Expanding Horizons” (Press Release)

The DOT’s approval marks a new chapter for cross‑border travel between the United States and Latin America. Passengers, airlines, and markets alike stand to benefit from a more seamless, integrated, and expansive airline experience.