Federal Authorities Announce Uber Is Not Permitted To Operate At Los Cabos Airport

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In a powerful and decisive move to end widespread confusion for travelers, Mexico’s federal government has issued a sharp clarification: ride-sharing apps like Uber are not authorized to provide passenger transportation services at any of the nation’s federal airports, including Los Cabos International (SJD).

The official statement was released by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT), directly countering a wave of misleading reports. For travelers who saw recent headlines celebrating a supposed “Uber victory,” this new announcement is the on-the-ground reality check you need before you fly.

Here at The Cabo Sun, we’re breaking down what this definitive statement means, why the confusion started, and why your arrival plan for your upcoming Cabo vacation should not change.

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The Ruling vs. The Reality: What Really Happened?

The confusion began after a federal judge granted Uber an injunction (a form of legal suspension) related to its airport operations. This was immediately championed by ride-sharing platforms as a landmark “win” that would supposedly allow them to operate “freely” at airports across Mexico.

However, the federal government’s new press release clarifies what that court ruling actually means, and it’s not what most travelers think.

The SICT explains that the judge’s decision “does not imply authorization for the provision of these services.” The ruling was highly specific: it only ordered the National Guard to stop conducting “arbitrary and discriminatory” operations against drivers. It did not grant Uber the legal right to operate in a federal zone where they lack federal authorization and where powerful, pre-existing contracts are in place.

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Why You Still Can’t Get an Uber at the Curb in Cabo

For travelers arriving at SJD, this legal battle is mostly just noise. The real challenge at the airport has never been just the federal authorities; it’s the powerful, long-standing, and iron-clad local taxi unions.

Los Cabos’ airport operator (GAP) has exclusive and binding contracts with the official airport taxi unions and authorized private shuttle companies. These contracts grant them the sole, exclusive right to pick up passengers at the arrivals curb. The new court ruling does nothing to dissolve these contracts.

This is why, for the safety and efficiency of your trip, we at The Cabo Sun must now strongly advise all travelers against attempting to call an Uber at the airport.

• It’s Stressful: You will not be picked up at the arrivals curb. You will be forced to play the “cat-and-mouse” game with your driver, who will likely ask you to be picked up far away from the arrivals zone.
• It’s a Potential Safety Concern: Tensions between the ride-sharing apps and the local taxi unions in Los Cabos are extremely high. This new, confusing ruling is only likely to make the situation more volatile. Trying to hop in an Uber in the middle of the taxi-controlled zone is a bad idea that can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation, putting both you and your driver at risk.

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The Savvy Traveler’s Playbook: “Business as Usual”

So, what should you do? For now, the answer remains the same as it has been for years: pre-booking your ride is the only guaranteed, safe, and stress-free way to leave the airport.

While this federal court decision is a small step toward the future—and a necessary one with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon—it has not created a safe or efficient system for tourists to use rideshares. The SICT’s official statement confirms that for now, travelers should continue to use the “authorized taxi services at airports, tourist services, and authorized buses.”

The Cabo Sun will be the very first to let our readers know when a real, practical change happens, such as the establishment of a dedicated, official rideshare zone.

But for now, and for your upcoming high-season trip, it is business as usual. The savviest, safest, and simplest move is to have a pre-booked private or shared shuttle waiting for you the moment you step outside.

Safe Travels!