Flights to the Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta and, to a lesser extent, Guadalajara remain disrupted Monday following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The disruption to travel comes as Mexican authorities perform to secure the region following a military operation that resulted in Oseguera’s death and sparked violence, including road blockades and vehicle burnings, in several parts of Jalisco state.
Air Canada was the first to suspend operations to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, February 22, citing the ongoing security situation, according to USA Today. That decision was followed by cancellations and diversions from Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and WestJet. The disruptions are impacting travel to and from numerous cities across the United States and Canada, including Houston, Mineápolis, Los Angeles, Denver, and Toronto.
The Mexican government confirmed on February 22 that Special Forces of the Mexican Army executed an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, to arrest Oseguera. He was killed at the scene, along with four other members of the cartel. Three Mexican soldiers were wounded during the operation. The operation and subsequent fallout have prompted travel advisories and shelter-in-place orders for U.S. And Canadian citizens in several Mexican states.
Travel Chaos and Airport Scenes
Videos circulating on social media show scenes of panic at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports, with travelers scrambling for safety as news of the cartel leader’s death spread. Footage depicts passengers dropping luggage and seeking shelter behind chairs and flight desks. Reports too indicate plumes of smoke were visible in Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination. KOMO News reported on the chaotic scenes unfolding at the airports.
In the resort town of Sayulita, tourists were warned Sunday morning to return to their hotels and remain indoors due to escalating violence. Stores and restaurants shuttered, leaving some visitors stranded and confused.
Airline Status and Regional Impacts
As of Monday, February 23, Air Canada, Delta, United, Sun Country, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest Airlines continue to have flights canceled to Puerto Vallarta. Reuters reports that Air Canada and United Airlines have halted flights to Puerto Vallarta.
American Airlines flights, however, are currently operating as scheduled. In Guadalajara, flights from Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Fort Worth, Las Vegas, San José, Denver, Anchorage, and Los Angeles are continuing, with only the flight from Salt Lake City canceled.
Government Response and Travel Advisories
The United States Department of State Consular Affairs issued a shelter-in-place advisory on Sunday for U.S. Citizens in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State. The advisory cited “persistent security operations and roadblocks related to criminal activity.”
Canada has also issued a high-risk travel advisory for Mexico, advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated Monday morning that “all roads are free, and it is safe to travel” and that airlines “suspended some flights preventatively.” She expressed hope that flights would be restored “within the day or, at the latest, tomorrow.”
The University of Guadalajara and Regional Stability
The University of Guadalajara announced it will resume online classes on Tuesday, February 24, in response to the ongoing security concerns. This decision reflects the broader impact of the situation on daily life in the region.
The death of “El Mencho” represents a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, but security experts caution that it does not necessarily guarantee an immediate end to violence. The cartel has demonstrated a capacity to adapt and operate even after the loss of key leaders. The coming days will be critical in assessing the long-term impact of this event on regional stability and travel safety.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely, and travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest updates from airlines and government agencies. The U.S. State Department provides ongoing travel information and advisories on its website: https://travel.state.gov/.
The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions to travel are possible. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
If you are affected by the travel disruptions or have concerns about safety in Mexico, please share your experiences in the comments below.
