Code Red: Canada Updates Advisory as Shelter in Place in Effect in Puerto Vallarta; Airlines Suspend Flights

*this is a developing story

While most Canadians were watching the Gold Medal game in men’s Olympic hockey Sunday morning, a scary security situation was unfolding in Puerto Vallarta that has led the states of Jalisco and Nayarit to declare a Code Red with orders to shelter in place.

The Canadian government is now advising people to exercise a high degree of caution if they are in Mexico. Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisory for the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit after authorities temporarily disrupted operations at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) amid reported car fires, and security operations related to the Cartel.

The advisory says there is a “shelter in place order” in Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit and that “all taxi and rideshare services” are suspended. It advises all Canadians in Jalisco and Nayarit to keep a low profile, monitor media and follow the orders of local authorities.

On Sunday (February 22), federal security operations in Jalisco state led to roadblock incidents, reports of vehicle fires and significant traffic disruption around Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas. As a result, authorities temporarily closed the airport to normal operations — affecting passenger movement and causing uncertainty for travellers and aviation partners.

The violence was triggered after “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a clash with military special forces on Sunday. The CJNG is one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.

Travel Market Report Canada spoke with Tisson Travel Group‘s Sandy Knox of JWS Travel-Journey’s with Sandy Sunday morning, who is currently in Puerto Vallarta, and stays with her husband for a few months during the winter.

“We live about 3 blocks inland from the cruise ship marina,” she tells us. “Most of the action and a lot of it started downtown more so, but now it’s spread out here as well.”

For context, the marina is the main cruise ship hub and located in what’s called the Bahía de Banderas region. Sandy tells us early reports suggested buildings near the cruise ships were on fire, but it turned out vehicles were being set on fire instead. She received footage from a friend staying in the marina area and has other friends downtown who witnessed vehicles burning and explosions.

“I had friends that were downtown watching the hockey game and when the game was over, the bar was shut down and they were ordered to get out. And there were vehicles on fire all around. An explosion happened. We’ve heard gunfire.”

Sandy said that friends downtown have been evacuated from their building and are now on the beach. She says the city is effectively on lockdown and under curfew, with ongoing updates warning residents to stay home as new fires are reported.

Our conversation was cut short as Sandy’s internet went out.

Travel Market Report Canada also spoke with travel writer Gregory George who is in Puerto Vallarta now on vacation and was expected to fly home Monday (February 23). He described waking up early Sunday morning and noticing an acrid smell and plumes of smoke rising from the hills. He says reports indicate Mexican authorities captured 13 cartel members and killed a cartel leader, prompting retaliatory violence.

According to George, the unrest has spread widely, with reports of gunfire at the airport. He says airports are shut down and claims Mexican airspace has been closed. As a result, he and others were staying in place at the time of our interview, but moments after sent us a message he was being evacuated.

“There’s not a lot of law enforcement or emergency vehicles here; I’ve heard only about two ambulances and they are blocking streets with cars and setting them on fire, to stop police getting into the areas.”

Airline updates:

*In a statement to Travel Market Report Canada, WestJet’s Julia Kaiser has issued an update:

“WestJet is carefully monitoring the ongoing situation in Mexico, with the safety of our guests, crews and ground partners as our top priority. At this time, we have diverted seven flights enroute to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and cancelled twenty-four additional flights to and from PVR, Guadalajara (GDL) and Manzanillo (ZLO).  

WestJet’s flexible/change policy has been put into effect for guests travelling to PVR, GDL and ZLO over the next two days. For guests currently in destination, WestJet and Sunwing are arranging extended stays so guests can comply with local official guidelines.  

As conditions evolve, additional cancellations may be required to ensure the safety of everyone in WestJet’s world. We are advising all guests with imminent travel plans to Mexico check the status of their flight before heading to the airport.”

Air Canada, Transat and Porter Airlines have also cancelled flights into PVR and are offering complimentary flight changes.

Air Canada said it was temporarily suspending operations in Puerto Vallarta Sunday, and cancelled three flights to and three flights from Puerto Vallarta, affecting “just under 500 customers.”

It is expected the flight disruptions will last at least a couple of days.

*Travel Market Canada has reached out to the tourist board and airlines for comment and will continue to update this story as we receive information.