Uber Drivers Continue to Face Arrests at Cancún Airport Despite Court Order

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Uber drivers in Cancún report that National Guard officers continue to detain them near the city’s international airport, despite a federal court order that prohibits such enforcement actions against ride-hailing drivers at airports nationwide.

Águeda Esparrilla, a driver and representative for platform operators, said that while the frequency of arrests has decreased, they have persisted around Cancún’s terminal, with fines reaching up to 50,000 pesos.

The detentions come after Uber Mexico announced last Wednesday that it secured a definitive suspension from a federal judge, mandating the National Guard to cease what the company calls “arbitrary and discriminatory detentions of vehicles” at the country’s airports.

Uber rejected an announcement from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) that National Guard operations would begin on March 12, demanding that authorities respect the suspension granted by the federal judge.

In a statement, the company said it obtained a ruling in October 2025 from the Thirteenth District Court ordering a halt to detentions or citations against app-based drivers at airports across Mexico.

“The National Guard must cease arbitrary and discriminatory detentions against Uber drivers at airports,” the company stated.

According to Uber, the judicial decision establishes that authorities must “cease the arbitrary and discriminatory detention of vehicles,” which would allow drivers to operate without fines or confiscations of their units.

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) responded immediately that the injunction does not authorize Uber to operate within airport perimeters.

“Uber does not have authorization to provide services within the Mexico City Airport polygon and other airports; nor does it limit authorities from issuing citations,” as long as they are carried out in accordance with established regulations, the agency said.

The SICT added that the court ruling does not prevent authorities from applying sanctions when irregularities are detected in the provision of federal transportation services and reiterated its recommendation that users use authorized taxis at airports.