Rust and Deterioration at Cancún Airport Terminal 3 Boarding Canopies

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The metal canopies at the boarding platforms of Terminal 3 at Cancún International Airport are heavily rusted and deteriorating, leaving visitors with a poor first and last impression of the resort city.

The structures, where tourists board and exit vans, taxis and other transportation, show corrosion at the joints, peeling paint, rust stains and even warning signs that appear ready to fall. Workers and transport operators say the area lacks adequate maintenance.

The terminal dates to about 2007, when the metal frames and canvas covers were installed. Nearly two decades later, they are in visible disrepair. “It’s strange to see how the metal structures are oxidizing without any maintenance; they look quite corroded,” said Mónica, a traveler waiting with her boyfriend Demian. “That makes you wonder, because if it looks like this on the outside, I don’t want to think about what’s inside.”

Edgar, a van operator who shuttles international tourists, said the condition is embarrassing. “I work every day moving international tourists, and it’s unacceptable that the first impression passengers get after getting off the plane is that the terminal’s boarding area is in bad shape,” he said. “The same thing happens when we bring them back to fly home: the last impression they have of Cancún is the same as the first — a damaged, poorly maintained place.”

The rust has eaten through supports holding signs to columns, and beams are swollen with peeling paint. The floors are dotted with dozens of black spots from discarded chewing gum.

Ellen, a European tourist, noticed the decay while waiting for her ride. “It’s not nice to see the roof where you wait for your transport looking damaged,” she said. “The floor is also very dirty, full of stuck gum. That reflects badly on people’s manners.”