Uber has started issuing temporary suspensions for drivers who repeatedly cancel airport jobs, with some accounts being restricted from receiving airport pickups and drop-offs for up to four weeks.
A screenshot shared with DM News shows a driver notification titled “Account update – Airport trips have been blocked”. The notice explains:
“Due to an excessively high airport cancellation rate, your account has been temporarily blocked from receiving trips to and from the airport for 4 weeks.”
This confirms the restriction is not linked to low acceptance rates – a common concern among drivers worried about being penalised for declining jobs. Instead, the block appears to target situations where drivers accept airport trips but later cancel them, potentially leaving passengers stranded and disrupting airport operations.
Why airport cancellations matter
Airport runs are often high-value trips, but they also carry risks for drivers, including:
- Long waiting times at terminals
- Unpredictable passenger delays due to baggage and customs
- High drop-off and pick-up charges imposed by airports
Some drivers accept jobs initially but cancel when delays, fees, or traffic make the fare less profitable. Uber’s move suggests the company is now taking a harder line against this practice.
Driver reaction
Many drivers argue the platform does not take into account the real challenges of airport work, particularly the extra costs and uncertainty involved. While some welcome action against drivers who cancel excessively, others fear this could punish those who cancel for legitimate reasons.
With airport transfers being a key part of the private hire trade, Uber’s stricter stance is likely to spark debate among drivers about fairness, flexibility, and how much control they have over their work.
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