Following the killing of a cartel leader in Jalisco, flights were cancelled at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports, and 30 aircraft returned to their points of departure.
Violence erupted in Mexico’s Jalisco state after the killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. Flights were cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.
Security Crisis After Cartel Operation in Jalisco
In Mexico’s southwestern state of Jalisco, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of one of the country’s most powerful criminal organisations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a US-backed military operation carried out in the town of Tapalpa.
Following the neutralisation of the cartel leader, known by the alias “El Mencho,” retaliatory attacks, road blockades and arson incidents began across the state. Authorities increased security measures at critical points, particularly in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Alarm at Airports: Flights Cancelled, Tourists Stranded
After the outbreak of violence, some roads leading to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports were closed. Footage shared on social media showed passengers at Guadalajara Airport seeking shelter during the attacks.
According to official statements:
- In Puerto Vallarta, at least 30 flights either returned to their departure points or were diverted to other airports.
- Dozens of flights were cancelled.
- Thousands of tourists were stranded in the resort city.
Air Canada announced that it had temporarily suspended its operations in the region for security reasons. The company urged passengers not to travel to the airport without first checking their flight status on its official website.
Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting the @VallartaAirport, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/BqV0hGIL4l
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 22, 2026
Puerto Vallarta Airport management stated that on-site operations and security within the facility were not affected; however, all international flights and the majority of domestic flights were cancelled as of 22 February 2026. The airport was reported to be protected by National Guard and Ministry of Defence personnel.
“Shelter in Place” Warning from the US and the UK
The US Embassy in Mexico urged American citizens in Jalisco and certain other parts of the country to “remain in place until further notice.”
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) stated that security incidents were occurring in various parts of Mexico and advised its citizens to:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Comply with stay-at-home warnings
Authorities noted that the wave of violence had not affected tourism centres on the Caribbean coast, particularly Cancun. In Cancun, only some flights connected to Guadalajara were cancelled.
Experts Warn: Violence May Increase
Sandra Pellegrini, Latin America specialist at the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), stated that while the killing of the cartel leader represents a significant short-term success for security forces, it could increase instability in the long term.
🚨🇲🇽 Chaos at Guadalajara International Airport: Videos show employees sprinting for cover as reports spread of armed men inside the terminal.
This follows CJNG’s cartel meltdown, retaliating hard after rumors of federal ops targeting their leader “El Mencho.”
Mexico needs to… https://t.co/fNEsPI7Kdr pic.twitter.com/NDJo5REZnf
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2026
