Finnair and American Airlines have formally revealed their Mexican codeshare agreement, which contains one fewer route than the original Department of Transportation (DOT) application for November 2024.
Expanding codeshare to Dallas to Mexico routes
Finnair stated on January 13 that its codeshare arrangement with American Airlines, which begins January 23, will include 12 Mexican destinations departing from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
The Finnish carrier noted that Dallas is a major destination in its network and serves as American Airlines’ home hub. During the present winter season, Finnair operates up to daily flights between Helsinki Airport (HEL) and Dallas, with the carrier offering 11 weekly flights during the summer months in 2025.
Finnair’s Senior Vice President of Alliances and Airline Partnerships, Fredrik Wildtgrube, stated that the expanded codeshare arrangement with its oneworld partner will provide more options for passengers wishing to fly to Mexico.
Wildtgrube noted that the country is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for Finns and Northern Europeans, particularly during the winter months.
“Besides Mexico, American Airlines offers our customers excellent connections via Dallas also to elsewhere in the United States and America.”
Anmol Bhargava, Vice President of Partnerships at American Airlines, stated that the airline was pleased to provide Finnair passengers with better access to popular leisure destinations in Mexico. Bhargava believes that the enhanced codeshare agreement will enable more convenient connection times.
Removing Tampico from the agreement
However, the newly announced codeshare routes from Dallas to Mexico include one fewer destination than the airlines’ submission to the DOT in November 2024.
The pair then requested to launch codeshare services no later than 30 days after the Department’s notice, with the services being in the public interest and fully compliant with the US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.
The petition listed 13 routes connecting Dallas to Mexico, including Mexico City International Airport Benito Juárez (MEX). According to the announcement made on January 13, the codeshare arrangement will be applicable for 12 Mexican destinations, but not Tampico General Francisco Javier Mina International Airport (TAM), which serves Tampico on the Gulf of Mexico coast.
According to Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning system, American Airlines has scheduled daily flights from Dallas to Tampico between March and October.
United Airlines is the only other US-based airline that operates flights to Tampico, with a year-round schedule from Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), increasing to twice daily between April and October.
Expanding services to Dallas
Finnair, which joined oneworld in September 1999 following a formal invitation in December 1998, will start servicing Dallas from its Helsinki hub in April 2022.
Previously, the Finnish carrier had never traveled to the Texas city. In May 2024, Finnair announced that it would increase the frequency of its flights to Dallas, making it a year-round daily service beginning with the winter season in 2024-2025.
“Finnair has also updated its winter 2024 traffic programme, adding frequencies to Dallas, making it a year-round daily service. Finnair’s Dallas flights offer smooth connections to American Airlines’ extensive network out of their Dallas hub.”
According to Cirium’s Diio Mi, Finnair operated up to four weekly flights to Dallas until April 2024, after which it increased the number of trips to six. Daily services are set to begin in March and last until at least December, according to Diio Mi data.
Finnair has no scheduled flights to Mexico in 2025, having last served Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) in February 2019.
FAQ
Why did Finnair remove Tampico from its route network?
Finnair decided to remove Tampico, Mexico, from its route network as part of a strategic decision to optimize operations and focus on more profitable markets. Despite the removal, the airline continues to explore other opportunities in the region.
What is the new codeshare agreement between Finnair and American Airlines?
Finnair has confirmed a new codeshare partnership with American Airlines for routes to Mexico, allowing passengers to benefit from more flight options between Europe and Mexico. This collaboration will enhance connectivity, providing more seamless travel opportunities for passengers.
How does the codeshare agreement impact passengers flying between Europe and Mexico?
The codeshare agreement between Finnair and American Airlines will provide greater flexibility and more convenient connections for travelers flying from Europe to Mexico. Passengers will have the opportunity to book a single ticket for the entire journey, saving time on connections and offering a more efficient travel experience.
Which other destinations are included in the new Finnair and American Airlines codeshare agreement?
The codeshare agreement includes several popular destinations in Mexico, such as Cancun, Mexico City, and Monterrey. By working together, both airlines aim to strengthen their joint route network and expand travel options for passengers.
Does the removal of Tampico affect other Finnair routes to Mexico?
No, the removal of Tampico does not affect Finnair’s other routes to Mexico, including its services to Cancun and Mexico City. These routes remain operational, and the new codeshare agreement with American Airlines will further enhance connectivity in the region.
