ASPA Questions Volaris Pilot Shift Amid US Route Revocations

ASPA Challenges Volaris’ Use of Foreign Pilots Amid Regulatory Changes

Recent developments in the Mexican aviation sector have sparked controversy and uncertainty, particularly surrounding Volaris’ operational practices and international route permissions. The Federal Civil Aviation Agency of Mexico (AFAC) has authorized Volaris to operate 10 aircraft with foreign pilots temporarily, from December 1, 2025, to January 12, 2026. This decision has been met with strong opposition from the Association of Airline Pilots of Mexico (ASPA), which contends that employing foreign pilots violates both the Mexican Constitution and the country’s Civil Aviation Law. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory authorities and labor organizations over the interpretation and enforcement of aviation policies.

Meanwhile, the future of Mexicana de Aviación’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center remains uncertain. The sale process is stalled as stakeholders await Banorte’s decision on a requested extension following the expiration of the original deadline on October 4. Aviation unions have advocated for a second extension to allow more time for negotiations, but no new timeline has been established, leaving the MRO center’s fate unresolved.

US Route Revocations and Broader Industry Implications

In a significant escalation of cross-border aviation tensions, the US Department of Transportation has revoked approval for 13 routes operated by Mexican carriers Volaris, Aeromexico, and VivaAerobus. The revocations stem from disputes over slot allocations at Mexico City International Airport and alleged breaches of the US-Mexico air transport agreement. This development exposes the fragility of the bilateral aviation framework, which has governed cross-border flights since 1960 but lacks effective mechanisms for dispute resolution.

For Volaris, the loss of these critical US routes poses operational challenges and threatens revenue streams. Although the airline has experienced a recent rebound in demand, the long-term consequences of the route revocations remain unclear. Competitors may adjust their route networks and pricing strategies in response, while major US carriers continue to serve Mexico City with comparatively higher fares. Compounding these challenges, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce US airspace capacity due to shortages of air traffic controllers, a move that could disrupt operations for all airlines, including Volaris.

Additional Industry Developments

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed strong opposition to proposed revisions to the EU261 passenger-rights regulation. IATA warns that the changes would increase costs for airlines and most travelers by reversing reforms introduced in June, which had better aligned compensation rules with operational realities and passenger preferences.

In a notable milestone for the global aerospace industry, China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) showcased its C919 single-aisle jet for the first time outside East Asia at the Dubai Airshow. This debut occurs amid ongoing production pressures faced by Airbus and Boeing, as airlines worldwide seek to fulfill surging post-pandemic demand with delivery backlogs extending several years.

On the tourism front, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum downplayed the impact of Canada’s recent travel advisory, which cautions visitors about several Mexican states. Sheinbaum highlighted an 11% increase in Canadian tourist arrivals this year, underscoring continued growth in the sector despite advisory concerns.

Additional regional developments include Coahuila’s announcement of a MX$600 million investment to modernize airport infrastructure. Meanwhile, IATA has called on the European Union to strengthen its aviation strategy, particularly as the high cost of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) remains a significant challenge for the industry.

As regulatory shifts and international disputes continue to unfold, Mexican airlines face a complex and uncertain operating environment that will require careful navigation in the months ahead.