Mexico: Aeroméxico pilots threaten strike October 1 /update 2

Event

Aeroméxico pilots who are members of the ASPA union are threatening to strike on Monday, October 1. Union leaders announced the strike on Tuesday, September 11, after Aeroméxico stated it would suspend some benefits for pilots following an investigation into the July 31 Durango plane crash. The airline decided to discontinue allowing pilots to fly for free in the cabin. ASPA claims that the new policy violates the collective contract and was not agreed upon by the pilots. Flight disruptions are likely if the strike is held.

Context

Three pilots were fired by Aeroméxico recently after Mexico's civil aviation authority reported that an unauthorized pilot in training briefly served as a copilot during the accident in Durango. The plane crashed near General Guadalupe Victoria International Airport (DGO) shortly after takeoff.

Advice

Travelers are advised to monitor the situation and to confirm flight reservations prior to leaving for the airport.