The wave of violence that swept across Jalisco and Mexico following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes has begun to subside, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announcing this morning that the situation has “calmed down” and flight operations are expected to resume at affected airports, some within the week or sooner, according to Reuters.
Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed Saturday during a Mexican military operation near Tapalpa in Jalisco state. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader’s death triggered immediate violence across multiple states, with cartel members setting vehicles ablaze and establishing armed blockades that disrupted travel throughout the region, as reported by The Associated Press and NBC News.
Current Status Jalisco et al
Last night, Puerto Vallarta became a scene out of a Hollywood movie, with burning buses, cars, and even shops sending up columns of black smoke and lighting up the sky after dark. Roads were blocked, and an anonymous source who lives in the heart of the resort city heard continuous gunshots and yells from the park across the street from their home. After a few hours, the city grew quiet and dark. As of early this morning, the city remained calm but shuttered, with no public transportation available and very few cars in the streets.
At a news conference this morning, President Sheinbaum emphasized that “there is absolute coordination with the governments of all states” and that “activities are proceeding normally throughout most of the country,” according to Anadolu Agency. The president urged citizens to “remain informed and calm” as security forces work to restore order.
While Sheinbaum acknowledged the unrest triggered by the operation, she stressed that the vast majority of Mexico continues to operate normally, with disruptions concentrated primarily in Jalisco and several other affected states, Reuters reported.
Airport Operations Update
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), which operates Puerto Vallarta International Airport, confirmed that while no airports were officially closed, road blockades to both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports significantly impacted operations throughout Sunday and into Monday, according to USA Today. The airports remain under the protection of national security forces.
Major U.S. and Canadian carriers have cancelled the majority of flights to affected Mexican destinations. According to Travel + Leisure, as of Monday afternoon:
- Southwest Airlines: 75% of flights to/from Puerto Vallarta cancelled
- United Airlines: 76% of flights to/from Puerto Vallarta cancelled
- Delta Air Lines: 76% of flights to/from Puerto Vallarta cancelled
- Alaska Airlines: All Seattle-Puerto Vallarta flights cancelled
CBS News reports that Air Canada has also suspended service to the region. United Airlines has issued a travel waiver specifically for “Jalisco Mexico Civil Unrest,” allowing passengers to rebook without penalty.
While President Sheinbaum indicated this morning that conditions are stabilizing and flights are expected to resume, airlines remain cautious. USA Today reports that carriers are monitoring the situation closely before resuming normal operations. No timeline has been provided for when full service will be restored.
Affected Regions
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico issued a security alert late Saturday, warning of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity” in widespread areas, including:
- Jalisco State (Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, Guadalajara)
- Baja California State (Tijuana, Tecate, Ensenada)
- Quintana Roo State (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum)
- Nayarit State (Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area)
- Sinaloa (Mazatlan)
Tourism Impact and FIFA World Cup Preparations
All eyes are on Guadalajara as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches this summer. According to The Guardian, while stadium facilities and infrastructure projects remain secure, security protocols around venues have been significantly enhanced following the weekend’s events.
No tourist casualties have been reported, though travelers in affected areas experienced disruptions and were instructed to follow hotel security protocols during the unrest, Reuters confirmed.
Meeting Planners
For planners with programs currently in the region or planning imminent travel:
- Current attendees: The situation has stabilized significantly since Sunday evening. Clients should continue following hotel security guidance and monitor local updates, but normal activities are resuming in most areas.
- Upcoming departures: Monitor airline communications closely. Flights are expected to resume, but schedule changes remain possible. Ensure clients have flexible booking options.
- New bookings: While the immediate crisis appears to be subsiding, planners should discuss the situation with clients and ensure they’re enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts.
- Information sources: Monitor updates from Mexico’s Tourism Board, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, GAP’s official communications and individual airline advisories.
Mexican officials continue to emphasize that security forces are maintaining an enhanced presence in tourism corridors and that the situation is under control. However, the current situation demands direct communication with clients and staying informed through official channels.
**We will be updating this piece as new information becomes available.**
