Here we go again. New protests against Uber, Cabify and DiDi have led taxi drivers and other drivers to block both entrances of Terminal 2 at Cancun International Airport (CUN).
This time, local drivers demanded that the rideshare platforms comply with Quintana Roo’s mobility regulations and stay away from the airport.
Demonstrators departed from Cancun, Tulum and Solidaridad early in the morning but arrived at the airport until around noon because the caravan was moving in bumper-to-bumper traffic, aiming to disrupt operations or at least complicate passenger flow.
As a result, travelers heading to the airport had to exit their vehicles and walk to the terminal to avoid missing their flights.
The protest was dissolved in the late afternoon when Franco Pineda, a commander at Quintana Roo’s National Guard, promised to increase patrols to prevent rideshare drivers from illegally operating at the airport.
However, legal operators remain skeptical that the police will implement effective measures to eradicate this issue, as the National Guard has taken no action when Uber drivers working at the airport have been reported.
In fact, there have been clashes between legal operators and rideshare drivers over the past few weeks. So, taxi drivers are determined to stop illegal operations at any cost.
“Uber causes conflict in all countries, so I’ll be straightforward: Uber is not entering the airport anymore. We want authorities to block the application; otherwise, this [demonstrations] is gonna continue. People are really pissed off,” said a taxi driver.
Another driver went even further to say that authorities will only enforce effective solutions after someone dies.
“So why didn’t you show up until we did all of this?” One driver questioned the officer. “They won’t stop this until someone dies,” another added.
So, is the problem solved?
It is for now. But as soon as drivers spot another Uber, Cabify or DiDi picking up passengers at the airport, more protests are likely to break out.
Protest leaders have warned authorities they won’t stop “until these applications are deleted.”
Let’s be clear: Police have already stated they have no power to “delete” Uber. So, this problem will not be over unless they implement permanent patrols at the airport. A thing unlikely to happen.
Therefore, make sure to stay informed on the ground about potential blockades so you don’t miss your flight.
In any case, opt for public transport systems such as buses and taxis to avoid possible acts of violence, like those that have occurred against tourists using Uber in the past.