Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, two major cities in Mexico, remain suspended as of , following a wave of violence triggered by the death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Airlines including Air Canada, Delta and United Airlines have maintained cancellations of flights both to and from Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, in response to the escalating security situation.
Puerto Vallarta Airport is currently showing cancelled flights from U.S. Carriers United, Delta, Sun Country, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest, as well as Canadian airlines WestJet and Air Canada. Affected cities in the United States include Houston, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Denver, San Diego, Detroit, Atlanta, Santa Ana, San Jose, New York, and Phoenix. Canadian cities impacted include Edmonton, Saskatoon, Toronto, Kelowna, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Regina.
American Airlines flights, however, are currently operating as scheduled. In Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, operations continue from Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, San Jose, Denver, Anchorage, and Los Angeles, with only service from Salt Lake City cancelled.
The disruption to air travel follows a large-scale military operation that resulted in the death of El Mencho, a figure notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and for orchestrating brazen attacks against Mexican government officials. The operation, conducted on , sparked widespread unrest, including reports of burning vehicles and armed groups blocking highways across more than half a dozen states.
The U.S. State Department issued a shelter-in-place order on , urging U.S. Citizens in Mexico to seek safety “due to persistent security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.” The advisory specifically called for Americans to shelter in place in several cities throughout the country.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation on during her daily press conference, stating that “all highways are free, and This proves possible to travel” and that airlines had “suspended some flights preventatively.” She expressed optimism that flights would be “restored during the day or, at the latest, tomorrow.”
The immediate impact of the violence and subsequent flight cancellations is being felt by thousands of travelers. Airlines have waived change fees for affected passengers, but the disruption has left many stranded or facing uncertainty regarding their travel plans. More than 26,000 Canadian citizens are currently in Mexico, with many potentially impacted by the travel disruptions, particularly as some universities are observing reading weeks and the spring travel season is approaching.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in combating powerful drug cartels and maintaining security in key tourist destinations. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, under El Mencho’s leadership, has rapidly expanded its influence in recent years, becoming one of the most formidable criminal organizations in the country. The cartel’s activities have extended beyond drug trafficking to include extortion, kidnapping, and violence against rival groups and government forces.
While flights to major tourist destinations like Mexico City and Cancun have not been affected, the unrest in Jalisco state raises concerns about the potential for further disruptions and the broader implications for tourism and investment in Mexico. The Mexican government’s response to the situation will be closely watched by international observers, as will the long-term impact on the country’s security landscape.
Jeff Willis, a Manitoba resident currently in Puerto Vallarta, described the city as a “war zone” on , noting the presence of smoke in the distance and a generally subdued atmosphere. “People are mostly calm and just staying tight and sort of maybe a bit quieter than usual and trying to figure out what’s really going on,” he said.
The events underscore the inherent risks associated with travel to regions affected by organized crime and political instability. While Mexico remains a popular destination for tourists and business travelers, the recent violence serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing the country and the importance of staying informed about potential risks.
