Uber Will be Able to Operate Legally in Mexico Airports

Mexico – On the eve of the 2026 World Cup , a judge granted a permanent suspension of Uber’s ability to drop off and pick up passengers at Mexican airports, so you no longer have to pretend the driver is your relative.

For about a decade now, when platform taxis like Uber emerged, a fierce struggle began between traditional taxi drivers and app-based taxi drivers. In many states and cities across the country, taxi drivers have enjoyed the support of local governments by forming a union and forming alliances, especially during election times.

This has even led to physical fights between drivers, with app drivers bearing the brunt, as their vehicles, which are work tools, are sometimes impounded.

However, that is set to change, as an official statement from Uber reports that the Thirteenth District Judge in Administrative Matters granted a permanent suspension that allows them to drop off and pick up passengers at any airport terminal . 

Drivers will be able to operate safely at airports

This means that, according to the court ruling, Uber drivers will be able to enter, exit, and operate in all Mexican airports without risk of being detained or penalized, which represents a significant advance for mobility in Mexico.

This is an important achievement for the platform, because in other words, any user who requests a ride through the app has the right to do so without any obstacles and regardless of the airport.

The measure will particularly benefit tourist destinations and cities with high air traffic, where on-demand transportation services have proven to be a practical and modern alternative for travelers.

Uber celebrates the judge’s ruling

The company welcomed the resolution and emphasized that this measure reaffirms the legality of using digital transportation platforms in federal spaces, provided the drivers are on active duty.

Uber is confident that this suspension sets a favorable precedent for the final resolution of the case, especially in light of the  2026 World Cup, an event in which Mexico will be one of the host countries.

“This decision helps ensure efficient and safe mobility for the millions of tourists who will arrive in the country during the World Cup.

“Mobility is a key component of the traveler experience. Airports are the country’s calling card,” the company said in a statement.

When will the measure come into effect?

The amparo lawsuit has yet to be resolved, but for now, it’s a given that Uber can operate in more than 70 Mexican airports, and drivers will be able to enter even if they are federally controlled. 

However, the technology company is confident that the suspension will be finalized once the aforementioned trial concludes, which is taking place prior to the start of the 2026 World Cup. 

Therefore, it is very important that the country puts its best foot forward for tourists who will be arriving, understanding that it is valuable for these thousands of travelers to be able to request a taxi from the airport without any risk of the driver being detained or being forced to take another form of transportation. 

Uber also asked Congress to legislate on this issue, as the use of app-based taxis makes transportation at airports more efficient, which in turn helps improve the perception of local and foreign tourists, since the airport is often the country’s welcoming face.

Finally, although there is already legal backing allowing the use of Uber, it remains to be seen whether the authorities themselves will respect the suspension granted or implement further obstacles to users’ ability to freely board or exit a platform vehicle. 

Uber Reserve arrives in Cancun

In July of this year, Uber announced the launch of Uber Reserve , a new service available at Cancun International Airport, which allows users to book a ride up to 30 days in advance .

With this feature, domestic and international tourists will be able to secure their transportation  before landing, avoiding lines or fare negotiations.

Uber emphasized that its goal is  to improve the safety, convenience, and efficiency of travel in the country’s main destinations, thus driving the modernization of tourism transportation in Mexico.