Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen has formally reached out to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Patrick Duffy and members of Congress representing South Texas, urging the federal government to reconsider the proposed cancellation of Aeromexico’s international route serving McAllen International Airport (MFE). City officials warn that ending this service would harm regional connectivity, cross-border commerce, and economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley.
In a letter dated October 31, 2025, signed by Mayor Javier Villalobos, Mayor Pro Tem Victor “Seby” Haddad, Commissioners Tony Aguirre Jr., Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora, Rolando “Rolly” Rios, Rodolfo “Rudy” Castillo, Pepe Cabeza de Vaca, and City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, McAllen leaders described the Aeromexico route as “a lifeline for families, businesses, and institutions on both sides of the border.”
“We commend your commitment to fostering an equitable aviation market for U.S. carriers,” the letter reads. “However, we urge that these efforts be targeted toward markets where competition exists or is anticipated. In the case of McAllen, no U.S. carrier currently competes—or has expressed interest in competing—with Aeromexico’s route from MFE.”
The letter highlights McAllen’s unique economic and cultural relationship with Mexico, emphasizing that the city’s proximity to the border is “not merely geographic—it is economic, cultural, and strategic.” Officials noted that the proposed cancellation “would not advance competitive equity but rather diminish essential connectivity for our region.”
At a recent “Morning of Diplomacy” event, city and airport officials unveiled new economic data underscoring McAllen International Airport’s significance as a regional economic engine. According to the findings, airport activity generates $1.2 billion in total annual economic output, supports 8,419 direct jobs, and accounts for $356 million in payroll impact. The city also noted that “each new flight generates up to $10 million in direct economic impact annually.”
“The Aeromexico route contributes meaningfully to this impact,” the letter states, adding that over 3,500 passenger reservations will be directly affected after November 7 if the route is canceled. City Manager Isaac Tawil, who signed the letter, described the request as essential to maintaining “vital connectivity” and aligning with the Department of Transportation’s “broader goals of equitable access and economic vitality.”
In addition to Secretary Duffy, the letter was copied to all South Texas congressional representatives and senators, including Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, and Representatives Monica De La Cruz, Henry Cuellar, and Vicente Gonzalez.
Texas Border Business has included a full copy of the City of McAllen’s letter below for readers to review in its entirety.
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