Taxi Protest Cancun Airport Block Tourists

Taxi Drivers Block Tourists from Cancun Airport Amid Protests

When visiting Cancun, travelers often rely on taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber to get around. However, recent protests by taxi drivers made reaching Cancun Airport more difficult for tourists.

Why Are Taxi Drivers Protesting at Cancun Airport?

The protests are against Uber operating at Cancun Airport. Although Uber has been available in Cancun since 2016, it couldn’t pick up or drop off passengers at the airport until recently. After Uber announced that its drivers could now operate there, taxi drivers responded with protests, blocking airport access, and forcing tourists to walk.

Why Taxi Drivers Are Upset

Taxi drivers argue that Uber’s entry into the airport is unfair competition. They claim Uber doesn’t pay the concession fees that taxi drivers do. They also believe Uber’s operations at the airport are illegal, as airports fall under federal authority. Taxi drivers rely heavily on airport fares, making this a heated issue.

How Cancun Airport Taxi Protest Are Affecting Tourists

Tourists have been caught in the middle of this conflict. Some have been forced to leave their vehicles and walk to the airport. There have also been incidents where taxi drivers stopped vehicles to check if they were Uber rides, adding to the chaos.

Cancun Airport Taxi Protests: Should You Be Concerned About Airport Access?

Despite the disruptions, there haven’t been reports of tourists missing flights. Protests usually occur near the airport, and not all travelers are forced to walk. However, it’s wise to plan extra time to reach the airport, just in case.

Navigating Transportation During Cancun Airport Taxi Protest

During these protests, even private cars and shuttles have been affected. Taxi drivers have been checking phones to identify Uber drivers. Consider all your options: taxis, private cars, shuttles, and public transportation are available at the airport.

Tips for Getting to Cancun Airport on Time Amid Taxi Protests

On a normal day, arriving at Cancun Airport three hours before your flight is recommended. With protests, allow yourself extra time by leaving at least an hour earlier. This will help ensure you make it to your flight on time.

What is Next for Transportation in Cancun?

The standoff between taxi drivers and Uber is far from over. Finding a solution is crucial for easing airport access. Until then, planning your transportation wisely and allowing extra time will help you navigate these challenges when visiting Cancun.

2018 Ruling

On May 28, 2018 the state Congress approved several modifications to the "Mobility Law". Shortly, this allowed Uber to operate freely in the state.

The Mobility law requires public transportation companies to obtain a state concession in order to operate in the state of Quintana Roo. Uber argued they are not "form of public transportation". They are a private company and should only need to have a business permit to operate.

This triggered protests and blockages by taxi drivers. So in December of 2018 Uber temporarily ceased their operations in Quintana Roo. They stated that it would only resume their services if local regulations offered a level playing ground. Uber called the Mobility Law discriminatory and restrictive.

Forward to 2023

A court ruled earlier in January that Uber drivers could work legally in the southeastern portion of the state of Quintana Roo without a concession that is required by all other transport companies in Quintana Roo. This angered taxi drivers and their union.

Recently, Cancun taxi drivers created a blockade where some taxi drivers restricted access to the Cancun International Airport. Simultaneously causing many people to miss their flights.

Additionally one of our guests was unable to receive their in-home meal on Monday because our cooks were stuck in that blockade. The blockage lasted all day.

Police reports show that five taxi drivers were arrested for harassing an Uber driver during this blockade. In addition, the suspects are now facing other charges of endangering passengers by altering public order.

A Judge announced earlier this year that Uber is in fact legally operating, this ruling only escalated the tensions between taxi drivers and Uber drivers. Before Cancun and its surrounding areas were considered a taxi only zone.

In fact, Uber drivers were banned from entering the Cancun Hotel Zone and the single road to the International Airport prior to this ruling.

The recent escalations caused the United States State Department to issue a Security Alert on Monday January 23, 2023.