Cancun, Q.R. — Dozens of Cancun Uber drivers protested with a march Tuesday as airport tensions increase. Tension between Uber drivers and state tourist drivers at the Cancun International Airport have increased in recent days with the arrests of two taxi drivers.
Cancun Uber representative Águeda Esperilla said problems began Monday when they resumed their operations at the airport. According to Esperilla, Uber drivers have faced blockades and threats from illegal transporter providers who have allegedly prevented them from picking up passengers.
She said they have also been threatened with retaliation if they do not leave. Esperilla said that Uber has a judicial protection that allows it to operate within the airport despite the fact permits are granted by airport managing company ASUR.
“Uber has been trying to negotiate with ASUR since last year but no agreement has been reached. The Uber app has the right to operate thanks to the injunction so we are asking for the threats and violence to stop,” she said.
Despite the protection, conflicts persist with frequent blockades and attacks on Uber drivers. “We face problems at the airport every day with around 50 incidents reported.
“Despite the difficulties we continue to seek a peaceful solution. Our efforts are focused on working in a fair and safe manner without resorting to violence,” she said.
The 5:00 p.m. Tuesday march began at the Malecón Tajamar to the Cancun International Airport, where they temporarily blocked a lane as a way of protesting the threats and attacks received by clandestine transporters at the air terminal.
Last week, two Cancun taxi drivers were arrested after being captured on video physically assaulting an Uber driver inside the Cancun airport. The assault came after the Uber driver refused to continue paying extortion money to the two taxi drivers in exchange for being “allowed” to work at the airport.
