UNITED STATES – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Wednesday cautioned European governments against imposing unilateral restrictions on transatlantic flights, warning that Washington is prepared to defend open skies agreements, as it recently demonstrated through punitive measures against Mexico. Speaking to Reuters from Montreal, where he attended an international aviation meeting, Duffy criticized moves by airports in Amsterdam, Lisbon, and Dublin to impose limits on air traffic.
“We’re seeing more airports get in the game of trying to restrict air traffic, which is contrary to the agreements that we have with them,” he said. “It’s important for commerce, for trade, for the movement of people in business, that we keep these flights open.”He questioned the reliability of noise pollution data used to justify restrictions, noting that such caps could disrupt vital air links.
U.S. carriers have raised concerns over Amsterdam Schiphol’s planned noise reduction measures, Lisbon’s alleged access constraints, and Dublin airport’s suspended passenger cap currently under legal review.Duffy underscored Washington’s willingness to enforce agreements, citing the July order requiring Mexican carriers to submit U.S. flight schedules with the threat of disapprovals if obligations were not met. Earlier this month, he also directed Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to dismantle their joint venture by January 1.
“Our actions with Mexico are also aimed at Europe,” Duffy stated. “I think Mexico is a sign that we’re not going to take that. We’re not at a place where we need to apply pressure, but the signal is clear.”He argued that the scheduling requirement placed on Mexico illustrates Washington’s readiness to escalate action if compliance with open skies agreements falters. Responding to criticism from Delta over the breakup of its Aeromexico partnership, Duffy acknowledged the carrier’s concerns but added that airlines would ultimately benefit from the administration’s defense of global aviation agreements.