In Cancun, there has been an ongoing issue regarding Uber’s legality in operating at the airport. Uber announced to its drivers that they could, but the taxi drivers disagreed, and the National Guard has been preventing them from doing so.
Now, not only are Uber drivers being blocked from the airport, but authorities recently attempted to apprehend tourists at Cancun Airport for trying to take an Uber, too.
Let’s dive deeper into the situation and how it affects tourists visiting Cancun.
The Recent Incident With Uber Users At The Airport
According to reports, three tourists tried to take an Uber from outside of Terminal 2 of Cancun Airport recently and were approached by the National Guard.
The visitors, who had just arrived at the airport, were trying to get into the vehicle but were stopped by the authorities.
One of the tourists was put into an official van, but in the end, all three were allowed to reenter the airport.
Uber’s History In Cancun
Uber first began operating in Cancun in 2016, but it didn’t last long. Uber drivers quickly began to deal with pushback from taxi drivers and stopped operating in the destination until 2019, when they entered the market again, but unofficially.
It wasn’t until 2023, though, that the ridesharing company was officially allowed to operate in Cancun, but not at the airport.
Uber At Cancun Airport
Still today, Uber is allowed to operate in Cancun but is not allowed to operate at Cancun Airport, despite drivers recently being notified by the company that they could start.
Not just taxi drivers but also the National Guard have been blocking Uber drivers from the airport property.
Additionally, the airport itself has since posted signs in the airport notifying tourists that Ubers at the airport are illegal and that they should not use them.
Why Taxi Drivers Don’t Think That Uber Can Legally Operate At The Airport
Taxi drivers say that despite Uber drivers getting the okay to operate at the airport from the company, it is still not legal.
They argue that the airport is federal property and that Uber can only legally operate on state land.
This allows them to operate throughout the rest of Cancun but not the airport.
The National Guard At The Airport
In September it was reported that the National Guard had been stationed outside of Terminal 2 of the airport.
They were there to keep Uber, and any other transportation providers lacking a permit, from entering onto airport property to pick up and drop off passengers coming and going.
Taxi drivers and other licensed transportation providers were allowed to enter and offer their services.
Alternative Transportation Options To Get To And From The Airport
Ubers are typically a much more affordable transportation option, but their presence in Cancun has always been a source of contention, so you may think you want to opt for something else.
There are plenty of other options for getting to and from the airport and around Cancun.
Private and public transportation, taxis, the ADO bus service, the Maya Train, and hotel transportation are among them.
Using Uber Throughout The Rest Of Cancun
If you decide to use Uber outside of the airport, which is possible, you should prepare for the possibility that taxi drivers may still harbor animosity towards Uber drivers outside of the airport, too.
There have been past instances in which taxi drivers have forced tourists out of Uber vehicles. Until the issues are resolved it may be better to use a different mode of transportation, just to be safe.
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