As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears, a critical dispute has arisen regarding the transportation market at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The Alliance In, which represents major app-based transport firms, is advocating for legal reforms that would allow these platforms to operate more freely and be officially recognized by the government. In contrast, traditional taxi unions are staunchly opposing these changes, insisting that only licensed vehicles should be allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. They are demanding strict adherence to the Federal Road Transport Law, which is designed to regulate transportation services and curb undue competition from unlicensed operators.

Guillermo Malpica, the director of Alliance In, stressed the necessity of finding a practical solution to the ongoing operational issues at airports. He highlighted that the current laws are outdated and predate the rise of app-based services, arguing that this moment is critical to re-evaluating regulations in light of the upcoming World Cup. The varying fare structures between app services and traditional taxis also contribute to the tensions, with the latter feeling threatened by the competition posed by the more flexible pricing of app-based platforms.

The call for regulatory clarity comes amid concerns about the availability of authorized vehicles and the overall safety and efficiency of airport transport services. As the World Cup will likely increase passenger traffic dramatically, there is a pressing need for the government and relevant authorities to enact regulations that will balance the interests of all parties, while ensuring a seamless experience for travelers. The outcome of this regulatory battle could set a precedent for how transportation services are managed at airports across Mexico in the future and could impact the local economy significantly during a high-traffic event such as the World Cup.