Another Incident at Cancun Airport Sparks Outrage

Tourists Continue to be Harassed by Authorities at Cancun International Airport

A recent incident at Cancún International Airport (AIC) has ignited a wave of criticism after members of the National Guard were caught on video harassing foreign tourists who had booked a ride with an Uber driver. The altercation, which unfolded in a federal jurisdiction area, has raised questions about the treatment of visitors and the impact on the image of Cancún and the greater Mexican Caribbean.

The tourists, newly arrived from Minnesota, United States, were reportedly confused and frightened as National Guard officers tried to force them out of the vehicle. The Uber driver attempted to explain the situation, but the visitors—who only understood limited Spanish—were visibly distressed, with one breaking into tears over the ordeal.

The Confrontation Caught on Video

The four-minute video, recorded from inside the Uber vehicle, shows a National Guard officer insisting the driver cannot pick up passengers without federal plates, a requirement in areas under federal jurisdiction. The officer demanded the passengers disembark and suggested that if the driver complied, he would not issue a fine.

“Who are they to intimidate people arriving in Cancún? The platform is legal now,” the Uber driver is heard questioning, frustrated by the situation. The tourists, feeling cornered, described the encounter as harassment.

Public Outrage

The incident has been met with widespread condemnation from locals and online commentators, who argue that the National Guard should focus on tackling crime rather than intimidating tourists. Critics point out that such actions only tarnish the reputation of Cancún and the Riviera Maya, key destinations for international travelers.

“Instead of chasing criminals, they choose to scare off tourists,” one commenter noted, underscoring the growing discontent with such incidents.

Leadership Calls for Change

In response to this and other recent incidents, Ana Paty Peralta, the municipal president of Benito Juárez, has called for fair competition in the transportation sector. Peralta emphasized that monopolies should not exist, sending a direct message to the “Andrés Quintana Roo” Taxi Drivers Union, which has been at the center of controversies regarding aggression against alternative transport services like Uber.

Peralta’s statement followed the arrest of three taxi drivers in Puerto Morelos for intimidating a tourist who chose to use Uber. She expressed frustration that despite multiple efforts to engage in dialogue with the union, such incidents persist.

“There is enough for everyone. There should always be competition, and if they are not addressing it, it is very bad,” Peralta said, adding that their aggressive actions harm not only the government but the city and its residents.

Zero Tolerance for Aggression

Peralta assured that her administration, in collaboration with state authorities, will continue to penalize any acts of aggression by taxi drivers against alternative transportation services. She also urged the public to report any such incidents, emphasizing the importance of videos and photos in holding offenders accountable.

Recently, three taxi drivers in Puerto Morelos were arrested for harrassing tourists who were trying to utilize a ride hailing app. Their aggrssions were captured on video which led to their identification and arrest. Their vehicles were seixed and licenses revoked pending an investigation.

A Pattern of Problems

This confrontation at the airport is just the latest in a string of troubling incidents involving transport operators in Cancún. Reports of tourists being scammed into paying exorbitant fees—sometimes as high as $250—have further tarnished the region’s reputation as a welcoming destination.

With Cancún International Airport serving as the gateway for millions of international visitors annually, these issues highlight the urgent need for reform in the transportation sector to ensure that travelers can explore the region safely and without fear of harassment or exploitation.