Cancún Airport Falls Decades Behind Global Standards

Cancún, Mexico — Services at Cancún International Airport are lagging 20 to 30 years behind international standards, according to Sergio González Rubiera, president of the Mexican Association of Inbound Tourism Agencies (Amatur).

Outdated Customs Procedures and Military Presence

González Rubiera highlighted physical customs inspections as a key deficiency, noting that most countries have eliminated such practices entirely. “In most of the world, there is no customs checkpoint anymore, yet here they still inspect luggage,” he said.

He also criticized the presence of military personnel lacking tourism training, which he argued diminishes the visitor experience from the moment of arrival. Additional challenges include staffing shortages in immigration, inadequate specialized training, and outdated legal frameworks, all of which hinder operational efficiency.

Revenue-Focused Customs Policies

The Amatur representative accused Mexico’s National Customs Agency of prioritizing revenue collection over tourism facilitation. He explained that physical inspections often target items like cigarettes or cameras to impose high taxes—a practice that discourages tourism rather than protecting national interests.

Systemic Issues Threaten Cancún’s Global Image

González Rubiera warned that these structural problems are exacerbated by high staff turnover, a lack of tourism-oriented service, and ongoing conflicts with taxi and transport operators. These issues, he said, jeopardize Cancún’s reputation as a premier international destination, particularly ahead of major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.