SEATTLE— All nonstop flights between Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) were canceled Sunday after violent unrest erupted in Mexico’s Jalisco state.
Airlines halted operations following a military action that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
The disruption affects services operated by Alaska Airlines (AS), United Airlines (UA), Delta Air Lines (DL), Southwest Airlines (WN), and Air Canada (AC). Carriers suspended departures from SEA and canceled return legs from PVR as authorities responded to security incidents across the region.
Seattle-Mexico Airport Suspensions
Airlines moved quickly to cancel scheduled departures after reports confirmed that Puerto Vallarta’s airport temporarily halted operations. Alaska Airlines stated that PVR closed amid security concerns, prompting immediate cancellations to ensure passenger and crew safety.
United Airlines canceled flights to both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, citing operational safety considerations. Delta issued a travel advisory warning that flights to, from, and through Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara may face disruption through February 26 due to civil unrest.
Southwest confirmed that four inbound and four outbound rotations scheduled for Sunday were scrapped. Air Canada also suspended service, advising customers not to proceed to the airport until further notice.
Mexico Security Crisis
Mexican authorities confirmed that the cartel leader was wounded during a military operation in Jalisco and later died while being transported to Mexico City.
His death triggered retaliatory violence, including road blockades and vehicles set ablaze in multiple cities.
Videos shared online showed smoke rising over parts of Puerto Vallarta and passengers running inside airport terminals. Security forces responded by increasing patrols and securing transport routes near major infrastructure hubs, reported KRCTV.
The unrest extended beyond Jalisco, affecting neighboring states and prompting heightened alert levels. Airlines assessed crew positioning and aircraft safety before confirming cancellations.
Passenger Travel Advisories
The U.S. Department of State warned citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations. Canada’s embassy in Mexico issued similar guidance, urging travelers in Puerto Vallarta to remain indoors and maintain a low profile.
Flight tracking data showed dozens of cancellations involving both U.S. and international routes connected to Puerto Vallarta. Airport authorities have not provided a confirmed timeline for full operational resumption.
Airlines emphasized that passenger safety remains their primary concern. Travelers were advised to check flight status directly with their carriers before heading to Seattle or Puerto Vallarta airports.
The aviation disruption underscores how rapidly geopolitical and security developments can impact cross-border air travel. Industry analysts note that leisure-heavy routes such as Seattle–Puerto Vallarta are particularly sensitive to sudden regional instability.
Cancun and Mexico City Airport Disruptions
Cancún International Airport (CUN) and Lic Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) faced major disruption after violence erupted in Mexico, leading to at least 29 flight cancellations and over 60 delays.
Mexican airlines, including Aeromexico (AM), Viva Aerobus (VB), and Interjet (4O), were among the affected carriers.
Flight Operations Disrupted Across Key Mexican Airports
Operational chaos unfolded at two of Mexico’s busiest aviation hubs after unrest linked to a military operation in Jalisco.
According to Travel and Tour World, at least 62 flights were delayed while 29 were cancelled at Cancún International Airport and Mexico City’s Lic Benito Juárez International Airport.
Passengers reported extended waiting times, missed connections, and sudden schedule changes. Peak travel demand worsened the impact, leaving hundreds stranded inside terminals.
Airlines operating domestic and international routes adjusted schedules, cancelled rotations, and, in some cases, turned aircraft back mid-air. Southwest Airlines confirmed that four flights bound for Puerto Vallarta were diverted back to the United States due to safety concerns.
International Airlines Suspend Services to Western Mexico
Several US and Canadian carriers suspended services to western Mexican destinations following reports of violence in Jalisco state.
United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines halted operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Air Canada and WestJet cancelled services to affected regions as well.
Southwest Airlines stated it would dispatch aircraft to repatriate stranded passengers and crew once conditions stabilize.
The United States issued a travel advisory confirming cancellations of domestic and international flights in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Authorities advised citizens to monitor official updates and follow airline guidance.
Panic Reported at Airport Terminals
Videos circulating on social media showed scenes of panic inside Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports. Travellers were seen abandoning luggage and seeking cover inside terminals amid reports of armed activity nearby.
Airport staff were also seen running for shelter as security operations intensified. Local authorities increased security presence across airport facilities following the unrest.
Military Operation Triggers Nationwide Impact
The disruption followed a military operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed, according to Mexico’s government.
The Secretariat confirmed that El Mencho and two others were seriously injured during the operation and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City. Three Mexican military personnel were injured and hospitalized.
The operation triggered violent incidents across parts of Jalisco, prompting heightened security and international travel advisories.
Apart from the United States and Canada, India also issued guidance to its citizens in Mexico. The Indian Embassy advised individuals to avoid areas near law enforcement activity, limit non-essential travel, and follow instructions from local authorities.
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