Cancun, Quintana Roo — Authorized ground transport companies operating at Cancun International Airport announced they will file legal complaints against networks of illegal taxi operators, known locally as “pirataje,” claiming the practice has cut their revenue by 30% to 40% and is damaging both legitimate businesses and the destination’s tourism image.
At a press conference, industry representatives acknowledged the efforts of the National Guard in combating the problem inside the terminal but said the number of officers is insufficient given the scale of illegal operations.
“We recognize the work the National Guard is doing,” they said. “But piracy continues to seriously harm legal companies and the destination.”
Currently, 16 authorized companies provide transport services at the airport, generating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs. However, the companies said unfair competition from unregulated vehicles has grown considerably in recent years. According to industry estimates, around 200 vehicles are operating illegally using private, tourist, and even passenger service license plates, without the required contracts or permits to operate inside the airport.
“The organization behind the piracy is incredible, and the damage it causes to all official companies is huge,” the representatives said. “We are paying taxes, rents, and fees, while others work outside the regulations.”
The companies plan to file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT) and later with the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (FGR), citing possible misuse of official documents such as federal license plates and vehicle registration cards. They said they have identified at least three corporate entities allegedly linked to these practices and will ask authorities to review the legality of their plates and permits. The goal is to investigate potential corruption related to the issuance of documentation that may have allowed certain vehicles to operate without valid contracts at the airport.
Looking ahead to the expected influx of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the transport representatives said they have maintained working groups with airport and federal authorities to strengthen service quality and improve tourist assistance.
“The fight against illegal transport is not just about protecting the economic activity of formal companies,” they said. “It’s also about guaranteeing safety, certainty, and quality for the millions of passengers who arrive each year at Quintana Roo’s main airport.”
