Mexico's aviation safety rating has been downgraded by the US oversight organisation, the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA has given Mexico a category 2 rating, which is often given to Third World countries.

Mexican airlines will not be able to carry passengers to or from the United States in code-sharing agreements with US airlines, according to the FAA rules.

It is believed the FAA has taken the action due to the Mexico government regulations on aviation and safety issues, rather than against any individual airline.

The Mexican government has responded by saying the demotion is due to "administrative and organisational matters" and does not imply a decline in the safety of civil aviation in Mexico.

Delta Air Lines in the US has a code-sharing arrangement with Aeromexico, and American Airlines has one with Mexicana.