Background on the Issue
The Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) has clarified that transportation services provided through apps like Uber do not have authorization to operate in the country’s airports, despite the company’s legal challenge.
SICT’s Official Statement
In a press release, SICT stated that no app-based company has received permission from the Directorate General of Federal Highway and Road Transport (DGAF) to offer passenger transport services within or towards airport terminals.
Uber’s Amparo and Lack of Authorization
SICT explained that Uber filed an amparo (a legal action in Mexico to protect constitutional rights) against the Guardia Nacional’s operations at airports due to the lack of proper authorization.
The Thirteenth Administrative Court in Mexico City granted Uber a suspension to ensure that inspection operations comply with the Federal Highway, Bridge, and Road Transport Law and its corresponding regulations.
Suspension Does Not Imply Authorization
SICT emphasized that this suspension does not grant Uber any authorization to provide passenger transport services. The court’s ruling only ensures that inspections are not arbitrary or discriminatory, without allowing Uber to legally operate in airports.
SICT reminded the public that users can still utilize authorized services such as taxis, tourist transportation, and buses connecting airports to specific locations across the country.
Uber’s Response and Future Calls
Days before the official statement, Uber announced that its drivers could now operate in Mexico’s airports after obtaining a definitive suspension of the federal prohibition.
Uber’s conductors can no longer be detained by the Guardia Nacional for performing active trips within the app at any airport in the country, thanks to this suspension. However, it remains valid only until the amparo lawsuit is resolved.
Uber expressed confidence that the resolution would be maintained permanently, highlighting its importance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will have venues in Mexico. “It is crucial to showcase our best face to the millions of tourists we will welcome during this planet’s most significant sporting event,” Uber stated.
Additionally, Uber called on the Federal Congress to legislate in favor of digital platform access to airports, aiming to “enhance the national and international tourism ecosystem.”
Previous Conflict with App-Based Taxis
The debate over app-based taxis in federal airports dates back to the implementation of the Federal Highway, Bridge, and Road Transport Law. This law mandates that transport units must have a concession granted by the federal authority to operate in airport areas.
Concessioned taxis within airports argue that they face stricter requirements, such as special plates, quotas, and accreditation exams, which they consider an unfair advantage compared to digital platform vehicles offering services without complying with these regulations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? The primary concern is whether app-based transportation services like Uber can operate in Mexico’s airports without proper authorization.
- What did SICT clarify? SICT confirmed that app-based transportation services do not have authorization to operate in the country’s airports.
- Why did Uber file an amparo? Uber filed the legal action due to the Guardia Nacional’s operations at airports, citing a lack of proper authorization.
- What does the suspension granted to Uber mean? The suspension ensures that inspection operations comply with the Federal Highway, Bridge, and Road Transport Law but does not grant Uber authorization to operate in airports.
- What services can passengers still use? Passengers can continue to use authorized services such as taxis, tourist transportation, and buses connecting airports to specific locations.
- What is Uber’s stance on airport access? Uber seeks permanent authorization for its services in airports, emphasizing the importance for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and calling for legislative changes to benefit digital platforms in the tourism sector.
