Flights to Mexico disrupted after cartel violence sparks airport closures
February 23, 2026
Dozens of flights have been cancelled to Mexican airports after cartel violence in the country sparked chaos, with several major airports affected.
In Jalisco state, airports in the cities of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were worst hit, with arrival and departure boards effectively wiped out and no aircraft able to land or take off.
Major international airlines cancel flights to Mexico
The large US carriers, including United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have all cancelled services into the area, with several Mexican airlines, including Aeromexico and Volaris, also impacted.
Canadian carriers, including WestJet and Air Canada, have also cancelled services to the area, and smaller operators such as Air Transat and Flair Airlines have been similarly affected.
On Sunday, many of those airlines’ inbound, airborne flights were forced to divert to airports in the southern US. The picture was much the same on Monday morning, with most services cancelled. FlightRadar24 showed one Volaris flight from Seattle on approach to Guadalajara.
Mexican authorities said the airports remained open; however, unconfirmed reports on social media on Sunday afternoon suggested attacks had been launched near and around Guadalajara International Airport.
One video appeared to show smoke billowing close to the airport, and separate footage shared on social media showed travellers running for cover.
ONGOING: CHAOS AT GUADALAJARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AMID CJNG RETALIATION AFTER REPORTED KILLING OF “EL MENCHO”
— Turbine Traveller (@Turbinetraveler) February 22, 2026
Chaos is unfolding at Guadalajara International Airport as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) reportedly launches coordinated attacks in and around the airport… pic.twitter.com/pgBDLG64BD
Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency insists airports remain open
A statement from Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) said that following the events “in the vicinity of the airports of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tepic, some international airlines bound for Puerto Vallarta Airport diverted their flights, based on their internal protocols”.
It added that “airports continue to operate normally,” noting that “there is inter-institutional coordination and collaboration with the various security authorities to ensure the safety of operations and of all users”.
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, the body that operates the airport in Puerto Vallarta, said it was under the protection of the National Guard and the Ministry of National Defence.
US issues shelter in place alertfor Mexico
The US has issued an emergency alert for its citizens to shelter in place after violence erupted following the capture and death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
In its guidance to citizens in the region, the US embassy in Mexico said: “Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, US citizens in several locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place
The US embassy said roadblocks had impacted airline operations, with most domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
All ride shares were also suspended in Puerto Vallarta, and businesses have suspended operations.
The guidance added: “US government staff in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzman (Jalisco), Cancun (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas state), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacan will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and US citizens should do the same.”
“As a result of the situation in Guadalajara (GDL), Mazatlán (MZT) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR), American has cancelled flights to and from GDL, MZT and PVR for the remainder of Sunday, Feb. 22,” the Dallas-based airline told US media on Sunday night.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and make any additional changes to our operation as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our customers and team members.”
Flight disruptions and cancellations could persist for days
Thousands of passengers have been stranded as a result, and the impact is likely to spread beyond Sunday and Monday. Security services in Mexico are still working to contain the violence
In a statement issued on X, Air Canada said on Monday: “The security situation in Puerto Vallarta is ongoing, and local authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order. Air Canada flights to and from PVR will be cancelled tomorrow.
“We are monitoring the situation and are working to bring our customers back as soon as it is safe to do so. We will share more information as soon as possible.”
Featured image: stock.adobe.com
