Travelers in Puerto Vallarta and Across Jalisco Ordered to Shelter in Place After Cartel Killing

Any American in Mexico’s Jalisco State, which includes Puerto Vallarta, along with Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State, has been ordered to shelter in place “until further notice.”

The warning comes after the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (known as “El Mencho”), was killed by a Mexican military operation over the weekend. According to Global Affairs Canada, criminal groups are now blockading roads and shooting with local authorities following the killing, and there remains a high degree of danger for anyone in the area.

Airport Status

In response to the escalating violence, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro has activated a “Red Code” (Código Rojo) across the state, the highest level of security alert. Here is what is happening for travelers:

• Puerto Vallarta (PVR): The airport has officially suspended all operations. While federal authorities are working to secure the perimeter, Air Canada has told passengers not to attempt to travel to the airport, as burning vehicles and blockades have made access roads impassable.
• Guadalajara (GDL): Security has reached a critical point at Guadalajara International Airport following reports of gunmen entering the terminal. Videos show passengers fleeing across the tarmac in an effort to escape the violence. The airport remains under the control of the National Guard, and all commercial traffic is grounded.

Carrier Responses and Travel Waivers

Major carriers have moved quickly to offer change-fee waivers and flexibility for those scheduled to fly through the affected regions:

• American Airlines has a waiver out for both PVR and GDL for travel through February 24, allowing new flights to be rebooked by March 3.
• United Airlines has a travel waiver for both PVR and GDL for travel through February 25. Passengers can reschedule flights for travel through March 4, with change fees and fare differences waived, provided they remain in the same cabin.
• Air Canada has canceled all flights to Puerto Vallarta for Sunday and Monday. The airline stated on Sunday that operations will only resume once the “ongoing security situation” is resolved.
• WestJet and Porter has suspended flights to the region and are expected to release formal waiver policies later today.

Travelers currently at resorts are advised to remain on-property and avoid all secondary roads. All taxi and rideshare services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended until further notice.