AfA statement on US action against Mexican airlines and loss of cargo capacity

November 4, 2025

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has raised concerns over the US government’s removal of 13 Mexican airline routes, warning it will reduce air cargo capacity and disrupt supply chains.
AfA Executive Director Brandon Fried highlighted that lost belly-hold capacity affects critical cargo, including spare parts, fresh produce, and medical supplies.
The association urges policymakers to resolve the issue collaboratively to maintain efficient freight connectivity while ensuring fair competition.

The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has expressed concern following the United States (US) government’s withdrawal of 13 routes operated by Mexican airlines, warning against the reduction in air cargo capacity, and of disruption in supply chains between two of North America’s largest trading partners.

U.S. Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, announced the decision to prevent several Mexican carriers from operating passenger flights into the U.S. last week, removing valuable belly-hold capacity.

“The loss of these flights won’t just affect passengers; it pulls critical cargo capacity out of the market,” said Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association.

“Forwarders depend on belly capacity to move everything from critical spare parts to fresh produce and medical supplies. Taking that away will strain supply chains that are already operating at tight margins.”

Fried urged policymakers to prioritize solutions that safeguard freight connectivity while addressing competition concerns through dialogue and collaboration, rather than capacity restrictions.

“Mexico is one of our most important trading partners, and maintaining efficient air links is critical to keeping goods moving,” added Fried.

“We encourage both governments to find a swift, balanced resolution that supports fair competition without compromising air cargo access.”

The AfA represents hundreds of freight forwarders that depend on stable, predictable international air service to move essential goods, from manufacturing components to consumer products and medical supplies.

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.