Uber in Mexico Wins Legal Battle to Operate at 70+ Airports

A federal judge has granted Uber in Mexico the right to operate at airports across the nation without drivers facing detention or fines, marking a significant shift in the country’s long-running transportation dispute.

The ruling, issued by the 13th District Judge in Administrative Matters, provides a definitive suspension that allows Uber drivers to pick up and drop off passengers at more than 70 airports nationwide. At the same time, the company’s amparo lawsuit moves through the courts. The decision specifically prevents the National Guard and other federal authorities from stopping or detaining drivers using the platform in airport zones.

“This confirms what Uber has maintained for more than a decade: it is illegal to stop drivers who use the platform when picking up or dropping off passengers at airports in Mexico,” the company said in a statement released Sunday.

The timing could not be more critical for Mexico. With the 2026 World Cup less than a year away, the ruling addresses mounting concerns about transportation infrastructure for millions of expected tourists. Mexico will co-host the tournament with the United States and Canada, and major matches are scheduled for cities including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

Uber emphasized that efficient airport mobility will be essential for Mexico’s international image during the event. The company called on Congress to pass legislation formally recognizing ride-sharing platforms at airports, arguing that clear regulations would strengthen the tourism sector.

The legal victory follows years of tension between taxi unions and ride-sharing services. Traditional taxi drivers, who pay fees for airport concessions, have argued that platforms like Uber operate illegally in federal zones without proper permits from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport.

At Cancún and Mérida airports, confrontations between taxi drivers and Uber users have made headlines both domestically and internationally. Viral videos showing verbal assaults on tourists sparked crackdowns by airport authorities earlier this year. The conflict stems from exclusivity agreements that have allowed taxi unions to charge premium rates while blocking ride-sharing competitors.

José Bizarro Galván, president of the Movement of Organized Transporters United of the Riviera, challenged the validity of Uber’s claims in August. He argued that while the platform may operate within municipalities, federal zones like airports require special permits that Uber does not possess.

“Federal regulations specify that such services require permits from SICT,” Bizarro stated at the time, warning that Uber’s communications could mislead the public and lead to conflicts with authorities.

Despite the resistance, Uber has taken steps to protect its drivers. The company distributed detailed guidelines on handling confrontations and added an emergency button in the app that connects directly to 911. According to the court’s terms, any vehicle detention under the current suspension is now considered illegal.

The demand for airport ride-sharing is substantial. A 2023 study found that 58% of Uber users in Mexico use the service to access airports, with 83% citing convenience as the primary reason.

In July, Uber launched Uber Reserve in Cancún, allowing travelers to book taxi-style rides from the international airport up to 30 days in advance. The service aims to help tourists avoid long lines and fare negotiations upon arrival.

The legal battle reflects broader tensions across Mexico. At Mexico City International Airport, enforcement of ride-sharing bans has been inconsistent. Despite signs warning of fines ranging from 43,440 to 130,320 pesos (about $2,250 to $6,750 USD), drivers have continued operating with minimal interference from authorities.

Taxi associations have warned that the court ruling represents unfair competition. They point out that they pay concession fees and airport charges that ride-sharing platforms do not, creating an uneven playing field.

For now, the suspension shields Uber drivers from legal action at airports nationwide. The company hopes the measure will set a favorable precedent for the lawsuit’s final resolution. Whether Congress will act to create permanent regulations remains to be seen, but the court’s decision has already transformed transportation options for millions of travelers arriving in Mexico.

If You Go

The court ruling covers more than 70 airports across Mexico
Uber drivers can legally pick up and drop off passengers in airport zones
An emergency button in the Uber app connects drivers to 911
Read more about the legal details
Uber Reserve allows advance bookings up to 30 days at the Cancún airport
Traditional airport taxis remain available but typically cost more than ride-sharing services