Safety Concerns Lead to Flight Cancellations for Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara
The U.S. State Department has issued a warning for travelers amidst deteriorating security conditions in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, advising those currently in the areas to shelter in place due to ongoing violence linked to cartel activities.
The unrest follows the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” This surge in violence has led to significant travel disruptions, including delays and cancellations of flights to and from these popular destinations. Major airlines such as Alaska, Delta, and American have announced on their websites that they are suspending operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, while also implementing flexible travel policies for affected passengers.
Travelers are being encouraged to stay updated through their airline apps and websites, as further cancellations may occur in the coming days.
At Los Angeles International Airport, several passengers reported canceled Volaris flights to Guadalajara. Jolene Leon, one traveler, expressed concern about the situation, stating, “Doesn’t look like we’re going to be arriving there today, or maybe just not going at all. We’re still deciding whether it’s even a good idea to go there at all.”
Nicole Flores, another traveler, found that visiting the airport in person was the best option after struggling to gain information online. “The biggest thing is coming to the airport, just because getting through online or like over the phone customer service was going to be the hardest, I think,” she said, emphasizing the importance of making informed and safe travel decisions amid the uncertainty.
Benjamin Zamora, who traveled from Guadalajara to Las Vegas, recounted challenges getting to the airport due to blocked roads filled with burned vehicles. Inside the terminal, he noted a palpable sense of fear among travelers triggered by rumors of armed individuals in the area. “When we were waiting for our flight, that’s when we started noticing people just trying to hide,” Zamora said. He described seeing numerous women taking shelter with their children in the restroom due to the misinformation circulating about security breaches at the airport.
In response to the cancellations, airlines are permitting passengers to change or cancel flights without incurring fees, offering some reprieve amid the chaos.
