Qatar Airways said on Wednesday that it has no plans to operate flights from Mexico City's new Felipe Angeles International Airport, apparently contradicting government claims that the airline wanted to use the hub.
"We can confirm that Qatar Airways has no plans to start operations at Felipe Angeles International Airport, Mexico City," a Qatar Airways spokesperson said.
Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Tuesday that "Qatar Airways told us through its CEO that they want to fly to Felipe Angeles airport" and that Mexico planned to start negotiations this week with the Qatari national airline.
The airline had no further comment when asked about Ebrard's comments and did not respond to a question about whether negotiations would start this week.
Airlines such as Aeroméxico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus have confirmed they will operate at the airport, which critics say is difficult to access and opened before it was fully ready.
Flights to the United States are expected to begin in the second half of 2022, the airport's chief executive said.