Uber Reserve Debuts at Cancún Airport Amid Ongoing Ride-Hailing Tensions

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Uber has officially launched its Uber Reserve service at Cancún International Airport, making it the first airport in Mexico to offer this pre-scheduled ride feature. Through a partnership with local operator Flex Eco Taxi, both domestic and international travelers can now book a ride up to 30 days in advance using the Uber app, adding a new layer of convenience for passengers arriving in one of the country’s busiest tourist destinations.

According to Juan Pablo Eiroa, General Director of Uber Mexico, the goal is to offer a smooth, comfortable, and safe experience for visitors from the moment they land. By entering flight information and arrival dates in the app, passengers can synchronize their ride reservations with real-time travel data. Upon arrival, they confirm their readiness through the app, and a driver meets them at a designated pickup point inside the terminal.

The launch comes as part of Uber’s broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in Mexico’s top tourist hubs. Cancún, with its steady stream of international visitors, has long been a priority market for the company. Uber services in the region already include Uber Taxi, Uber Planet (an eco-friendly option), and Uber XXL for larger groups and oversized luggage. The introduction of Uber Reserve aims to ensure that travelers have guaranteed transportation on arrival—something especially valuable in a destination where last-minute transport can be chaotic or overpriced.

However, the new service reopens long-standing tensions with the Sindicato de Taxistas “Andrés Quintana Roo”, the local taxi union that has repeatedly clashed with ride-hailing companies. For years, Uber drivers and passengers have faced harassment, threats, and even physical blockades at the airport and in other high-traffic areas. These confrontations reached a peak in early 2023, eventually prompting a Quintana Roo court ruling that legalized Uber operations statewide. Despite that legal victory, enforcement remains uneven, and Uber drivers still report instances of intimidation and interference at Cancún Airport.

Uber Reserve is being promoted as a way to bypass those issues. The feature offers fixed pricing, reduces wait times, and avoids last-minute fare disputes that often arise with unregulated airport taxis. The app allows travelers to book in advance and cancel if needed—providing flexibility and peace of mind, especially for those unfamiliar with local transport norms.

Still, travelers should be aware that designated Uber pickup zones at Cancún Airport may require walking outside the immediate terminal area. Despite the official go-ahead, real-world implementation is still in flux. Local media and travel blogs continue to report sporadic enforcement of the rules, with some Uber drivers being blocked from entering airport grounds or asked to park far from terminal entrances. For this reason, some tourism platforms continue to recommend alternatives like the ADO bus, hotel shuttles, or pre-booked private transfers until Uber operations stabilize at the airport.

Whether Uber Reserve becomes a reliable standard for arriving travelers or faces ongoing resistance from entrenched taxi interests remains to be seen. For now, the service is being positioned as a major step forward in improving the airport experience for millions of annual visitors to Cancún. If successful, it could set a precedent for Uber’s expansion into other Mexican airports, offering travelers a much-needed alternative in a transportation landscape often marred by inconsistency and confrontation.