Mexico Tightens the Screws on Uber and DiDi at Airports Ahead of World Cup

Mexico is tightening the screws on ride-hailing apps at airports across the country and the timing could not be more awkward. The crackdown on Uber, DiDi and similar platforms comes just as millions of international visitors begin arriving for the 2026 World Cup.

The restrictions target drivers who pick up passengers at airport terminals without proper permits or operating within designated zones. Authorities have stepped up enforcement operations at major airports including Mexico City International Airport (AICM), Cancun International Airport and other key entry points where World Cup travelers are expected to flood through in the coming weeks.

Drivers face fines and vehicle impoundment if caught operating outside the rules. The Mexican Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has been running inspection operations alongside local transit authorities, checking driver credentials, vehicle documentation and compliance with airport operating regulations. The message is clear: this is not business as usual during the World Cup.

The crackdown highlights a long-running regulatory battle that has never been fully resolved. Ride-hailing apps operate in a legal gray area in Mexico. They are not fully legalized in the same way as taxis but they have become so popular that millions of users depend on them daily. The apps argue they provide a service that traditional taxis cannot match in terms of convenience, pricing and transparency. Taxi unions argue the apps operate illegally and steal their business without paying the same fees and taxes.

Uber alone has millions of active users in Mexico and DiDi has carved out a significant share of the market with competitive pricing. Together they dominate the ride-hailing sector. But their expansion has been met with fierce resistance from taxi unions who have blocked roads, protested at airports and clashed with drivers. The tension has been a headache for city and federal authorities for years.

The World Cup complicates things further. Mexico is expecting millions of visitors who will rely heavily on ride-hailing apps to get around cities they have never visited before. Tourists arriving at unfamiliar airports often prefer the convenience of booking a ride on their phone rather than negotiating with taxi drivers in Spanish. A crackdown that reduces the availability of these services could create hassles for travelers and damage Mexico's reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.

For drivers, the risks are real. Fines can range from several thousand pesos to tens of thousands depending on the violation. Vehicle impoundment means losing income for days or weeks while the paperwork is sorted out. Many drivers say they are caught between the platforms that want them on the road and the authorities that want them off it.

The coming weeks will test whether Mexico can balance its regulatory goals with the practical needs of millions of World Cup tourists. For now, travelers arriving at Mexican airports should plan ahead. Have a backup transportation option ready and be prepared for potentially longer waits if ride-hailing availability is reduced.