Today, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy advocating for solutions that ensure South Texas remains supported, while holding the Mexican government accountable.

The letter follows the Department of Transportation's (DOT) recent order that will impact airline routes between the United States and Mexico, including the route between McAllen International Airport (MFE) and Mexico City (NLU). This connection has supported travel and economic growth for the City of McAllen and the broader Rio Grande Valley.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear Secretary Duffy,

I am writing to express concern and urge the reconsideration of the DOT's recent order, which significantly disrupts air travel between McAllen International Airport (MFE) and Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) in Mexico City.

While I understand this action is part of broader enforcement against Mexico's non-compliance with the 2015 Air Transport Agreement, the elimination of this direct air service harms the City of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.

McAllen International Airport serves as a key economic engine for our region, generating over 8,400 direct jobs, $620 million in economic output, and $356 million in payroll impact in 2024.

The cancellation of this route negatively impacts McAllen International Airport's capability to continue to serve as a key airport. The airport serves an area that is growing twice as quickly as the rest of the U.S., and routes like this one are critical as the airport continues to grow and enhance their positive impact to our region.

This route helps ensure McAllen's economic future, as our location on the border allows us to be a gateway for trade and business with Mexico. International routes, like the one canceled, can contribute up to $10 million annually in direct economic impact to our region. In addition to the economic impact, this will have negative consequences for families with loved ones on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.

I respectfully request that the Department of Transportation explore targeted solutions that achieve the DOT's goal of ensuring compliance with the Air Transport Agreement without the cancellation of flights from McAllen International Airport.

I look forward to working with you to resolve this issue.

Sincerely,
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz