A notice published earlier this month by Mexican FBO Manny Aero regarding Mexico’s collection of overflight fees was in error, according to an update from the company. In the notice, Manny Aero mistakenly reported that Seneam, the country’s ATC provider, was issuing a new directive implementing immediately "new regulations” for aircraft operators with a balance of unpaid overflight fees.
The FBO has since clarified that “these rules have been around for over 10 years and while [Seneam] did block operators a few years ago, they stopped doing that to avoid it being considered an intimidating measurement.”
There may not be a regulatory “directive” per se, but according to international business aircraft handler Universal Aviation, “with Mexico gearing up for elections, it seems like the authorities are making noise about chasing those pending Seneam overflight and overtime fees.” Meanwhile, “The Seneam overflight and overtime fee routine is just as it’s always been.”
The companies were in agreement that paying all Seneam fees due is critical because, left unsettled, “you leave yourself open to being blocked from using Mexican airspace and/or detained on the ground.”
To help its customers process and obtain their Seneam ID, an essential requirement to be able to report and pay navigation fees, Manny Aero levies a $50 convenience charge. Universal makes fee payments on behalf of its customers.