Mexico Seeks Airport Deal with Uber, DiDi Amid Tensions

Conflict at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) has escalated as the National Guard carries out systematic detentions and vehicle impoundments of ride-hailing drivers, despite active judicial injunctions (amparos) intended to protect digital platform operations. The surge in enforcement, which began in mid-March 2026, has resulted in fines of up to MX$59,000 (US$3,286) for drivers associated with platforms such as Uber and DiDi.

The crackdown is unfolding within a contradictory legal and regulatory environment. While the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) and the Ministry of Interior (SEGOB) recently opened a "mesa de trabajo" (working group) with Alianza In México to develop a regulatory solution ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, on-the-ground enforcement actions have continued unabated.

Detention Protocols and Driver "Calvario"

Field reports and driver testimonies indicate that the National Guard has escalated from verbal warnings to active vehicle seizures. Drivers have described the process as a “calvario” (ordeal), citing not only the high financial penalties but also administrative bottlenecks that delay vehicle recovery.

“Initially, they told me it was for double parking, but in reality it was because they identified me as a platform driver,” said Oswaldo Hernández, an Uber driver whose name was modified in reports to prevent retaliation, in an interview with El Financiero. Despite presenting a digital copy of the judicial injunction provided by Uber, his vehicle was impounded.

Drivers have reported a breakdown in administrative procedures following these detentions. Hernández said that after his vehicle was seized, he spent a full week attempting to obtain a “línea de captura” (payment code) to settle the fine. “I called the 089 information line, and every person gave me a different answer… although I wanted to pay from the first day, they didn’t allow me to,” he said. These delays result in accumulating daily storage fees at municipal impound lots, significantly increasing total costs.

The Conflict Over Judicial Injunctions

At the core of the dispute is the interpretation of a suspension granted by the Thirteenth District Administrative Court. Uber maintains that the ruling protects its driver-partners from arbitrary and discriminatory detentions and upholds their right to mobility and employment in federal zones.

However, airport authorities and the SICT have adopted a more restrictive interpretation. In a public statement, the SICT affirmed that “Uber is not authorized to provide services within the Mexico City Airport and other federal airport zones.” Authorities argue that while the injunction may limit “arbitrary” enforcement actions, it does not exempt drivers from federal transportation regulations that reserve passenger pickup rights for concessioned taxi operators.

To reinforce these restrictions, AICM has deployed AI-enabled surveillance systems to monitor vehicle patterns. These systems identify vehicles entering terminal loops multiple times, flagging them as potential unauthorized transport providers.

Impact on World Cup Preparedness

The intensification of enforcement actions has raised concerns about Mexico’s operational readiness to receive millions of international visitors for the 2026 World Cup. Alianza In México, which represents Uber, DiDi, and InDrive, warned that the current enforcement environment undermines user experience and limits mobility options at a key international gateway.

“It is essential to move toward an effective solution in terms of location, accessibility, safety, and user experience,” the alliance said, noting that the tournament is now less than 80 days away. While authorities have offered complimentary taxi transfers to passengers affected by enforcement operations, logistical friction remains a significant concern for the mobility ecosystem.

The high-level dialogue initiated on March 26 is expected to address these enforcement inconsistencies.