The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has upgraded Mexico’s aviation safety rating, returning it to the highest level after a two-year downgrade. This change allows Mexican airlines to establish new routes to the United States, and U.S. airlines can once again sell tickets on flights operated by Mexican airlines. The downgrade in May 2021 occurred because Mexico did not meet the standards set by the United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization.
The FAA identified deficiencies in Mexico’s ability to oversee its airlines, which did not meet the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization. These standards cover various aspects such as technical expertise, inspection procedures, and record-keeping by the regulatory body. It is important to note that FAA safety ratings of countries assess their oversight of airlines, but this does not imply that the airlines themselves are unsafe.
Previously, Mexico’s downgrade placed it in the same category as countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Thailand. However, the recent upgrade signifies that Mexico has addressed the shortcomings and regained its status in the highest safety category.