On Saturday morning, June 27, 2025, an incident occurred at Gate 4 of the arrivals hall at Palma de Ibiza Airport that attracted numerous witnesses. Two minibus drivers, suspected of operating illegally, got into a heated argument about the delivery of passengers, which quickly escalated into a physical altercation. The confrontation took place in public, making the situation more sensitive, as many travelers and airport employees were witnesses.
According to reports from MM’s Spanish-language sister newspaper, Ultima Hora, the argument between the two drivers began over customer deliveries, a common issue among drivers competing for passengers. The conflict quickly escalated as one driver hit the other multiple times. The aggression was documented by several witnesses who pulled out their smartphones to capture the scene. These types of incidents are not uncommon, as competition among drivers often leads to tensions in a busy area like Palma Airport.
A war is raging between the licensed taxis and the „taxi pirates.“ Airport security personnel were forced to intervene to separate the two „taxi pirates“ and prevent further escalation of the violence. Despite the heated confrontation, both men fortunately escaped serious injuries. The national police were also alerted and quickly arrived on the scene. Officers identified the two involved and took the necessary steps to bring the situation under control.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by licensed taxi drivers. They complain about the persistent presence of pirate drivers who attempt to solicit passengers at the airport without license or permits. Estimates suggest that dozens of such drivers are active daily, which taxi drivers view as unfair competition. One taxi driver commented: „They try to solicit customers inside the airport, but they fail.“ This rivalry not only leads to conflicts between drivers but also compromises safety and service for passengers.
Airport authorities face the challenge of preventing these illegal activities and ensuring safe, orderly operations at the airport. Measures are expected to be taken to regulate the situation and protect the rights of all involved. In addition, the police will take more stringent action against illegal drivers to sustainably improve airport security.
