Airlines Cancel Puerto Vallarta Flights Amid Cartel Violence

A wave of coordinated violence across the Mexican state of Jalisco forced the cancellation of most commercial flights at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) on February 22, 2026. Data shows that 62% of flights originating from PVR and over 50% of inbound flights were grounded, disrupting travel for thousands and underscoring the vulnerability of aviation infrastructure to regional security crises.

The immediate trigger for the unrest was the reported killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In response, cartel members initiated roadblocks, vehicle fires, and confrontations with authorities, creating unsafe conditions for ground transport to and from major airports, including PVR in Puerto Vallarta and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). The rapid escalation prompted immediate action from both domestic and international air carriers, prioritizing passenger and crew safety over maintaining flight schedules.

Operational Meltdown in Jalisco

The impact on airline operations was severe and immediate. Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris experienced the most significant disruption, canceling 95% of its scheduled flights to Puerto Vallarta. Flag carrier Aeromexico and its regional partner Aeromexico Connect canceled 62% and 75% of their PVR flights, respectively. The disruption extended to international airlines, with Air Canada canceling 66% of its services to the popular tourist destination.

In a statement, American Airlines confirmed its operational response, stating, "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. 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." Most carriers issued travel waivers allowing affected passengers to rebook without penalty.

In response to the crisis, Mexico's Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC), the national civil aviation authority, announced that airports would remain officially operational but under heightened security. The Mexican National Guard and military units were deployed to secure airport perimeters. Concurrently, the U.S. and Canadian governments issued urgent travel advisories, warning their citizens in Jalisco and surrounding states of the ongoing violence and recommending they shelter in place.

A Pattern of Disruption

The events in Jalisco are not an isolated incident but rather follow a tactical precedent set by cartels targeting aviation infrastructure to protest law enforcement actions. This strategy was demonstrated in January 2023, following the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. That operation led to the closure of airports in Culiacán, Mazatlán, and Los Mochis.

During the 2023 incident, the violence directly targeted aircraft. At Culiacán International Airport (CUL), an Aeromexico Embraer E190 preparing for takeoff and a Mexican Air Force Boeing 737 were both struck by gunfire from cartel operatives. At the time, Mexico's Secretary of Defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval González, confirmed that cartel fighters had launched an attack on the commercial airport. This prior event established a clear risk profile, informing the swift and decisive cancellations by airlines during the February 2026 Jalisco violence. The industry has learned that such events pose a direct threat to aircraft and personnel, not just a logistical challenge from ground transport disruptions.

Path to Resumption

Airlines have indicated that the resumption of a full flight schedule into Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara is contingent on verifiable security improvements on the ground. Carriers are coordinating with AFAC and their own security teams to assess when safe passage for crew and passengers can be guaranteed. In the medium term, the high-profile violence is expected to impact tourism bookings for the region. This may lead airlines and hotels to offer promotional fares and packages to stimulate demand once stability is restored.

For now, operations remain fluid, with airlines evaluating the security situation on a day-by-day basis. The focus remains on rebooking stranded passengers and ensuring no aircraft or personnel are put at risk. Future flight schedules will depend entirely on the effectiveness of the Mexican government's response in containing the violence and securing transport corridors to the airports.

Why This Matters

This event highlights a critical vulnerability for the aviation industry in regions with significant organized crime. It demonstrates that cartels view critical infrastructure like international airports as high-value targets for creating widespread social and economic disruption. For airlines, it reinforces the need for contingency plans that account for non-technical, security-based ground threats, which can shut down operations as effectively as a natural disaster or a major technical failure.

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