Mexico Moves to Permanently Ground Local Airline’s for Failing to Correct Safety Problems

The Mexican government said Thursday it is moving to revoke the concession of budget airline Lineas Aereas Azteca after it failed to fix safety problems that led to its grounding six months ago.

The airline was ordered to stop flying in March after inspectors found it was not complying with safety procedures and obligatory training for pilots, technicians and maintenance personnel.

The airline was given 90 days plus an additional grace period to fix the problems but failed to do so, the Communications and Transportation Department said in a news release.

Azteca finances are also in “grave” condition, with the airline lacking cash flow to cover its debts, the department said.

As a result, the government has “determined to maintain Lineas Aereas Azteca’s total suspension and at the same time begin procedures that will lead to its concession being revoked,” the department said.