Tourists Walk Miles at Cancún Airport to Avoid Transport Hassles

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Tourists arriving at Cancún International Airport (AIC) are increasingly choosing to walk up to a kilometer to avoid using official transportation services, citing harassment and intimidation by individuals pressuring them to use designated vehicles.

Harassment and Intimidation Reported

During a one-hour observation period at Terminal 2 of the AIC, two incidents of harassment against tourists were recorded, while at least 10 ride-hailing vehicles entered the premises to pick up passengers. A survey conducted among visitors revealed their refusal to use official transport, opting instead to walk long distances to avoid confrontations with so-called "hawks" employed by transport operators.

"I’m not going to pay $200 to get to the Barceló Hotel—it’s a ridiculous amount. We’d rather take an Uber, which costs $70. What bothers us is how they follow and intimidate us to use their preferred service. It’s really uncomfortable to arrive at an airport and not have the freedom to choose," said Irena, a tourist from Slovenia.

Tourists Defend Their Right to Choose

Shankar, a tourist from India residing in the U.S., expressed frustration over the aggressive tactics used by transport operators. "I’m here with my wife for a nice vacation, and instead, I’m being harassed and intimidated by people claiming to be the official transport. I know how things work, and I’m free to choose my own transportation," he stated.

After interviews with two tourist couples in Terminal 2’s parking lot, the visitors managed to evade the hawks and quickly boarded an Uber to reach their destination. Observations across the airport terminals showed tourists walking along airport roads, sometimes cutting through bushes to avoid detection before hastily entering ride-hailing vehicles. Meanwhile, transport company personnel patrolled the area to prevent passengers from using app-based services.

Confrontations and Evasive Tactics

One incident involved Irena and her husband, who walked to a gas station inside the airport to board an Uber. Upon arrival, they were confronted by an individual who warned them against using the service and later threatened the driver. Fearing intervention by the National Guard, the driver left, leaving the couple stranded. They eventually hid among customers at a car rental agency before successfully boarding another Uber.

Surveillance by transport operators was evident as tourists exited the airport, with personnel actively discouraging the use of ride-hailing apps.

Related Incidents Highlight Ongoing Tensions

The situation follows previous reports of conflicts between taxi operators, Uber drivers, and authorities at the AIC. Transport workers have demanded National Guard intervention to curb aggression against tourists, while ride-hailing drivers have protested alleged harassment by taxi unions and federal authorities.

The ongoing dispute has led to multiple confrontations, including an incident where an Uber driver struck a so-called "pirate taxi" driver during an altercation.

Tourists continue to navigate the challenges, prioritizing cost and convenience despite the persistent pressure to use official airport transport services.