**Tijuana City Hall to Continue Legal Battle Over Airport Property Tax**
The city government of Tijuana is pressing on with its legal fight against the Tijuana Airport over unpaid property taxes, as confirmed by Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz. The controversy lies in the Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico’s (GAP) claim that the land housing the airport belongs to the federal government, releasing them from the obligation to pay property taxes. Burgueño Ruiz is awaiting detailed legal updates from the city’s legal counsel before proceeding.
The pursuit for these taxes is not new; past administrations have also attempted to secure payments, even going as far as seizing tax collection boxes in 2010. Despite ongoing disputes, businesses within the airport premises continue to pay their property taxes, leaving only the airport itself as an outstanding debtor.
During a recent meeting with Tijuana Airport’s Advisory Council, the mayor noted that the topic of unpaid taxes was not on the agenda. As the legal process unfolds, Burgueño Ruiz is cautious about speculating on the amount owed until more concrete information is available, stating that any figures would be disclosed appropriately once verified.
Previously, in February 2024, GAP executives expressed willingness to comply with tax payments if a court mandate was issued. Back in 2023, former mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez noted that the debt exceeded 100 million pesos.
**Additional Developments on Tijuana Airport:**
A recent appeal from Tijuana’s Business Coordination Council (CCE) stressed the need to free the airport from blockades, emphasizing the swift and widespread repercussions on the region. These disruptions have affected thousands of travelers and highlighted issues such as opportunistic fare hikes by taxi services.
In related news, there has been a rise in robbery incidents, particularly during the final months of the year, prompting local transport operators to urge for heightened security measures.
Persistent fog also recently disrupted 63 flights at Tijuana’s International Airport. The interference stems from a hill obstructing the automated approach system on the east side, where most flights arrive.
Separately, the UABC aims to increase affordable transportation options for students, while government hospitals report that only a small percentage of women undergo breast reconstruction surgeries post-mastectomy due to high costs.
In sports, the Tijuana Toros baseball team appointed Enrique Couoh as their new sports manager as they prepare for the upcoming Mexican Baseball League season.