Tension Boils Over: Uber vs. Taxi Drivers at Cancún Airport

Taxi and Uber drivers are set to protest at Cancún International Airport, as tensions rise over Uber's legal status to operate within the airport. The dispute stems from Uber's lack of state authorization and a contract to provide commercial services in this federally controlled area.

Commercial services at airports, as defined by Article 48 of Mexico's Airports Law, are those not essential to the operation of the airfield or aircraft. These services can be provided by airport concessionaires or third parties, granted they have signed the appropriate contracts. Uber has been attempting to secure a contract with the Southeast Airport Group (ASUR), the concessionaire of Cancún International Airport, but to no avail.

Uber drivers have stated that the company has been seeking an agreement since last year, but without success. In response to the ongoing dispute, Uber has organized a demonstration named "Free Airport", scheduled for the 30th of July at 18:00 hours. The company aims to reaffirm its commitment to the public and secure the right to operate at the airport without hostility from taxi drivers.

Uber has claimed to have obtained an injunction, but details regarding the case number or its scope have not been disclosed. In a countermove, the United Tourist Transporters have announced their own demonstration, "Uber Out of Cancún Airport", planned for the same day. Their protest is set to take place at National Terminal 2, gate 8 at 17:00 hours.

The United Tourist Transporters argue they are defending their rights and have called upon a broad spectrum of participants, including taxi drivers, airport staff, and freelancers.

In Quintana Roo, only four transport platforms have been authorized by the Mobility Institute: Mueve T, Indrive, Didi, and Hola. Although Uber obtained a definitive injunction in 2023, it was against a Mobility Law that is no longer effective. The injunction merely classified Uber as a "private service", not a "public service", leaving issues related to its airport operations unresolved.

The absence of a formal agreement and opposition from other parties indicate a tense situation at the airport, with potential implications for both passengers and transport services in Cancún. The outcome of the demonstration and Uber's response could determine the future operation of transport platforms at one of Mexico's major air terminals.