Background on the Situation
Taxi drivers authorized to operate at the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM) have raised concerns that FIFA is attempting to prevent them from providing transportation services to tourists and personnel during the 2026 World Cup. Instead, FIFA aims to allow only app-based transportation services across all airports in Mexico.
Who are the Taxi Drivers?
These taxi drivers are authorized professionals who have been operating at the AICM, providing essential transportation services to passengers arriving and departing from Mexico City’s international airport.
Why is this Relevant?
The taxi drivers’ concerns highlight the potential impact of FIFA’s conditions on the local workforce and transportation industry. Their livelihoods are at stake as FIFA seeks to prioritize app-based transportation services, which could displace these authorized taxi drivers.
FIFA’s Conditions and Their Impact
In a statement addressed to President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Congress of the Union, the taxi drivers accused FIFA of imposing several conditions on the Mexican government. These conditions pertain to stadiums, migratory procedures, public safety, and more.
- Condition 1: FIFA wants to ensure that transportation services for the World Cup are primarily provided by app-based companies.
- Condition 2: The organization is pushing for streamlined migratory procedures to accommodate World Cup-related travel.
- Condition 3: FIFA is demanding enhanced public safety measures during the event.
The taxi drivers claim that these conditions are being enforced without considering the existing authorized taxi services at AICM, which could be negatively affected.
Government’s Response
In response to FIFA’s demands, the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) along with other federal agencies are working to remove legal obstacles preventing app-based transportation companies from operating in airports. This effort aims to accommodate FIFA’s requirements, potentially disadvantaging authorized taxi drivers.
Taxi Drivers’ Demands
The taxi drivers have requested President Sheinbaum and legislators to prevent FIFA from imposing these conditions, which they believe will unfairly target and potentially eliminate authorized taxi services.
Potential Consequences
The taxi drivers anticipate that the government may intensify its actions against them, leading to a strong reaction from the traditionally combative taxi workforce defending their rights.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who are the taxi drivers involved in this situation?
A: The taxi drivers are authorized professionals operating at the Aeropuerto Internacional de la Ciudad de México (AICM).
- Q: What conditions has FIFA imposed on the Mexican government?
A: FIFA has demanded conditions related to stadiums, migratory procedures, public safety, and transportation services for the 2026 World Cup.
- Q: How are these conditions affecting authorized taxi drivers?
A: FIFA’s focus on app-based transportation services could displace and potentially eliminate authorized taxi drivers, threatening their livelihoods.
- Q: What is the government’s response to these conditions?
A: The Mexican government is working to remove legal obstacles for app-based transportation companies, which may negatively impact authorized taxi services.
- Q: What are the taxi drivers demanding?
A: The taxi drivers have requested that the government prevent FIFA from imposing these conditions, which they believe will unfairly target and potentially eliminate their services.
