A federal judge ordered the National Guard to stop sanctions against Uber drivers at Mexico's airports, according to the company. This comes amid taxi protests that blocked AICM accesses on March 11 to demand a ban on ride-hailing apps. The demonstrations ended after dialogue, but taxi drivers threaten to escalate actions before the 2026 World Cup.
Uber announced on March 11 that a federal court, specifically the Thirteenth District Judge in Administrative Matters, ordered the National Guard to cease sanctions against drivers using its platform to pick up or drop off passengers at the country's airports. This instruction is part of the definitive suspension in the amparo lawsuit 1202/2025, filed by Uber last year. The resolution requires stopping “the arbitrary and discriminatory detention of vehicles”, allowing operations without fines or confiscations, as it would violate rights to free transit and employment.
On the same day, taxi drivers from the Transportación Terrestre “Nueva Imagen” organization blocked accesses to Terminals 1 and 2 of the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) starting at 10:00 a.m., protesting against operations of apps like Uber and DiDi. The protesters, who have permits to operate at the airport, argue that these platforms violate the law by not complying with regulations, permits, and payments that they do follow, threatening the livelihood of thousands of families. Elements from the Secretariat of Citizen Security cordoned off the area, with pushes and verbal confrontations.
At 13:20, AICM administration confirmed the release of the roadways after dialogue with the Secretariat of Government and other federal agencies. One 39-year-old person was detained for breaking a medallion on a crane, and three vehicles were sent to the impound lot. No details were given on the reached agreement.
Uber stressed the importance of complying with the order, especially ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which Mexico will co-host with over five million visitors expected. The company cited article 262 of the Amparo Law, which provides for penalties of three to nine years in prison for non-compliance. It responded to the Mexico City Airport Group, which called its operation irregular, stating the judicial decision confirms its legality.
Carlos Lobera, advisor to AICM taxi drivers, warned that without dialogue with the Claudia Sheinbaum government, protests will escalate, possibly blocking more airports near the World Cup. “The objective of this demonstration is to have a dialogue with you, so that you listen to us. But if not, it will force all airports to join this type of manifestation”, he said. “The only thing we seek is legality”.
The Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT) clarified in 2025 that Uber's suspension does not authorize picking up passengers inside terminals, only avoids sanctions for the activity, but prohibits accepting trips within them. Uber, operating in Mexico for over 13 years, offers to dialogue to modernize airport regulations.
