Airlines Suspend Flights to Mexico Amid Violence After Cartel Leader’s Death

Major airlines have suspended flights to and from Mexico following violent incidents triggered by the reported death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This decision came on February 22, 2024, after the Mexican Army conducted a military operation resulting in Cervantes’ death, prompting the U.S. State Department to issue a travel warning for several cities, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

The operation that led to Cervantes’ death ignited a series of violent reactions across the state of Jalisco. Reports indicate that organized crime groups set vehicles ablaze, blocked roads, and engaged in clashes with law enforcement. The violence quickly spread to neighboring states such as Michoacán and Guanajuato, causing widespread panic and disruption.

In response to the escalating situation, multiple airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, announced the cancellation of flights to both Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and Guadalajara Airport (GDL). Travelers reported chaotic scenes at airports, with videos circulating online showing passengers fleeing terminals. At PVR, groups of individuals were escorted across the tarmac by airport staff as precautionary measures were enacted.

Airports and Airline Responses

Puerto Vallarta International Airport confirmed on its Facebook page that it would close temporarily due to the ongoing violence, leading to significant disruptions in both domestic and international flight schedules. The airport urged passengers to verify their flight statuses with their airlines before heading to the airport.

In a subsequent statement, airport officials reassured travelers that internal operations remained secure and that the facility was under the protection of the National Guard and the Ministry of National Defence. Despite this, all international flights and most domestic flights were cancelled.

Contrary to social media claims, the Mexican National Guard stated that no incidents had occurred at Guadalajara Airport, attributing the chaos to heightened passenger anxiety rather than actual violence.

The U.S. State Department’s travel advisory encouraged American citizens in affected areas to shelter in place due to ongoing military operations and the risk of criminal activity. This led to the suspension of services by numerous airlines on February 22.

Delta Air Lines issued a travel advisory for flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara from February 22 to 26, allowing rebooking until March 7 without penalty. American Airlines followed suit, cancelling all flights to these destinations and offering passengers the option to rebook without incurring change fees. Southwest Airlines cancelled four scheduled flights to Puerto Vallarta and provided flexibility for travelers to adjust their plans.

Canadian airlines also took action in light of the unrest. WestJet diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta, while both Air Canada and WestJet temporarily suspended flights to and from the destination. Flexible rebooking policies were implemented for travel between February 22 and 25, ensuring affected passengers could adjust their plans without significant penalties.

As the situation continues to evolve, airlines and authorities are closely monitoring developments in Mexico, prioritizing the safety of travelers while navigating the complexities posed by these recent violent events.