A federal judge ruled that ride-hailing platform Uber can freely operate at airports across Mexico without being detained by federal authorities. 

The temporary injunction — technically a definitive court suspension — will remain in effect until a constitutional appeal is resolved.

The ruling prevents the National Guard from arresting Uber drivers while picking up or dropping off passengers at any of the more than 70 airports in the country. Taxi unions have traditionally held exclusive pick-up rights at all of Mexico’s airports, which are considered federal property.

In a statement, Uber hailed the decision while urging federal authorities to respect the judge’s ruling.

While reaffirming its long-held position that it is unlawful to detain drivers completing app-based trips at airports, the company emphasized the importance of the decision ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup. 

As co-host, with matches to be held in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, Mexico will need to ensure efficient transportation for the millions of tourists who will arrive during the World Cup, Uber said.

“Airports are the first impression visitors receive and facilitating their mobility would contribute to strengthening Mexico’s international image,” the statement said.

While expressing confidence that the injunction suggests a final resolution in its favor, Uber called on Congress to enact clear regulations allowing digital transportation platforms access to national airports.

A new regulatory framework “would improve the national and international tourism ecosystem,” Uber said, insisting that drivers using ride-sharing apps “must be granted access to federal airports to streamline mobility in those areas.”

Neither the National Guard nor the Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation Ministry offered public comment on the ruling. 

How taxi permit holders react remains to be seen, particularly in light of past incidents involving taxi drivers and ride-sharing companies in Cancún and Mexico City.

Earlier this month, taxi drivers at Mexico City’s International Airport alleged that federal officials managing airport operations had an illegal arrangement with ride-sharing services, according to the magazine Proceso.

Taxi drivers accused airport managers of selectively enforcing the law preventing Uber drivers from entering airport grounds and claimed that private interests were benefiting at the expense of the taxi union concessions. 

At the time, taxi companies were still expressing hope that they would have exclusive rights at airports during the World Cup.

With reports from Infobae, El Universal, Mexico Business News and Proceso