Mexican military forces reportedly killed Nemesio Oseguera (El Mencho), the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a security operation on February 22, 2026. This has sparked widespread cartel-related violence, blockades and unrest in multiple states — especially Jalisco, including around airport access roads.
Major airlines — including U.S. carriers like Southwest, United, American, Delta, Alaska, WestJet and Canada’s Air Canada — have delayed or canceled flights to/from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) due to security concerns and ground travel blockages. Access roads blocked by burning vehicles near Puerto Vallarta have effectively shut down portions of airport operations and led to diverted flights.
Reports indicate hundreds of travelers left stranded with delayed/canceled flights — particularly at Cancún International Airport (CUN) and Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport.
The U.S. and Canadian governments have issued travel warnings and shelter-in-place advisories for U.S. and Canadian citizens in parts of Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and other states affected by violence. Local authorities and military forces have been deployed to secure transport routes and airport areas, although reports vary on whether specific terminals were directly attacked. While many North American carriers have canceled or paused services in the affected areas, some international carriers — like Germany’s Lufthansa — have indicated they will continue flights to Mexico despite unrest.
Flights to some resort areas and regional airports may be canceled, delayed or rescheduled in the near term. Security advisories remain in place for parts of western Mexico — check airline and government travel updates constantly. Major hubs like Mexico City’s airport are reported to be operating normally, but weather, security alerts and traveler volumes can still affect schedules.
