Mexico violence: United, Southwest, American airlines and Air Canada suspend flights amid chaos

Several major North American carriers suspended flights to parts of Mexico on Sunday, February 22, after violence broke out in the country following the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”.

United Airlines cancelled all services to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

“United Airlines flight operations to/from PVR (Puerto Vallarta) and GDL (Guadalajara) are canceled today,” the airline said in a statement on Feb 22, as per Fox Business.
Southwest Airlines also withdrew operations to Puerto Vallarta for the day. “Southwest Airlines canceled the four flights we had scheduled to fly into Puerto Vallarta today and the four turns back,” the carrier said in a statement.

“We’ll continue to evaluate the conditions as the situation develops. Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and our employees,” it added.

American Airlines halted its remaining Sunday flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Mazatlán.

Read more: India, United States, Canada issue Mexico travel alerts after cartel violence erupts

“As a result of the situation in Guadalajara (GDL), Mazatlán (MZT) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR), American has canceled flights to and from GDL, MZT and PVR for the remainder of Sunday, Feb. 22,” the airline said, as per Fox Business.

“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,” it added.

Airport closed, Air Canada suspends flights

Air Canada confirmed a temporary suspension of operations in Puerto Vallarta. Several carriers issued travel waivers, allowing affected passengers to rebook without change fees.

Puerto Vallarta International Airport said on Sunday, Feb 22, that all international and most domestic flights were cancelled, according to local media reports.

It remains unclear when normal operations will resume, with roadblocks and further disruptions expected in the coming days.

India, US and Canada warn citizens 

The Indian Embassy in Mexico, and US State Department advised American citizens in parts of Mexico to shelter in place due to security operations and criminal activity.

Read more: El Mencho killed in Mexico military raid: Who was the CJNG leader, and how powerful was his cartel network

The advisory covered the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León, including the tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.

The warning followed what authorities described as retaliatory violence after the Mexican Army killed Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The group has been identified by US authorities as a major supplier of fentanyl.