A US appeals court has vacated a Department of Transportation order that sought to end the Aeroméxico-Delta Air Lines joint venture, keeping antitrust immunity in place for the transborder partnership. The ruling from the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta preserves the carriers’ ability to coordinate schedules, pricing, capacity and service on routes between Mexico and the United States.
The decision reverses the DOT’s September 2025 order to unwind the nearly 10-year-old arrangement, which had already been stayed while litigation continued. Aeroméxico, headquartered in Mexico City, welcomed the outcome and said the alliance supports broader network coverage, more convenient service options and stronger competition for travellers.
Reuters reported that the appeals court found the transportation regulator did not reasonably explain why it applied a narrower market analysis than in previous cases or why it imposed conditions it had not required for similar joint ventures approved elsewhere. Aeroméxico is reviewing the opinion and considering next steps with Delta and legal advisers, leaving the longer-term regulatory path open.