The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a group that represents major airlines, has recently called on Mexican authorities to postpone planned flight cuts out of the capital airport. The cuts, which were initially set to take effect in November, were postponed to January following protests from airlines.
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The Controversy
The government announced the flight cuts at the end of August, sparking an outcry from the aviation sector. The measure would limit flights per hour to 43, down from 52 at the Mexico City International Airport. This move was intended to reduce airspace saturation and divert more traffic to the newer, state-run Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA).
The Request
The IATA has opposed these cuts and stipulated that if they must happen, they should begin in March 2024, not in January as currently scheduled. This would allow airlines time to adjust their schedules. The IATA stressed the need for airlines to plan ahead and stated that if a reduction is forced on the industry, it needs to be done in consultation and with sufficient lead time.
The Impact
The cuts were originally set for November but were postponed to January after protests from airlines. "The airlines already had tickets sold (for the holiday season)," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in a press conference this month. Now, IATA is calling for an additional postponement to adjust schedules as the winter season is approaching.
Looking Ahead
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. What is clear, however, is that any decision will have significant implications for both the aviation industry and passengers. It's a delicate balancing act between managing airspace saturation and ensuring smooth operations for airlines. As we wait for further developments, one thing is certain: all eyes are on Mexico's aviation sector.