Delta, American Airlines' spat intensifies

Atlanta

DELTA Air Lines has asked US regulators to prevent American Airlines from starting flights between Los Angeles and Mexico City. This is the latest shot in recent friction between the two carriers.

American has sought clearance to take over the route from Alaska Airlines, which has agreed to turn it over before June. The Department of Transportation (DOT) should deny American's request and have an open competition for the route instead, Delta said in a filing. Under a US-Mexico treaty, Alaska and United Airlines are the only US carriers that are allowed to fly between the two cities.