Puerto Vallarta is on the heart of Mexico’s most severe journey disruption in years.
Following the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes — chief of the Jalisco New Era Cartel — by Mexican particular forces on Sunday, February 22, the town and the broader state of Jalisco erupted in retaliatory violence, roadblocks, and automobile burnings which have grounded flights, suspended rideshares, and despatched vacationers scrambling for solutions.
Right here is the clearest image of what’s occurring proper now and what vacationers ought to really do.
The Scenario on the Floor Proper Now
As of Monday morning, Puerto Vallarta stays below an lively U.S. authorities shelter-in-place advisory. The latest replace from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico — printed simply hours in the past — confirms that U.S. authorities employees in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are persevering with to shelter in place and urges all U.S. residents to do the identical till all roadblocks are cleared.
Critically, all rideshares together with Uber and Didi are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. In line with the U.S. State Division’s Consular Affairs, Individuals in Mexico ought to “search shelter, reduce pointless actions” and maintain household and buddies up to date on their wellbeing. Vallarta Day by day confirmed that intercity bus providers have additionally been paused, successfully isolating the town for short-distance floor journey.
The essential distinction for vacationers: no vacationers or civilians have been straight harmed throughout the unrest. The violence has been concentrated in cartel territorial disputes on roads and highways — not in lodge zones or seashore areas.
Which Airways Have Canceled Flights and Till When
The flight disruption is actual, vital, and ongoing. In line with KOMO Information, Alaska, United, Delta, and Southwest all canceled flights Sunday from main U.S. hubs to Puerto Vallarta Worldwide Airport, with a whole bunch of extra cancellations recorded by FlightAware throughout home and worldwide routes.
Right here is the place every main provider stands as of February 23:
Delta Air Strains issued a journey advisory stating that service to, from, and thru Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara could also be affected by February 26. Delta mentioned: “The security of our prospects and crew at all times comes first and we’re intently monitoring the scenario within the area.” Fare waivers are at present lively.
American Airways canceled Chicago-Puerto Vallarta routes Monday morning and issued a journey alert for components of Mexico with fare waivers by February 24.
Southwest Airways confirmed all 4 of its Sunday Puerto Vallarta flights and return legs have been canceled, with disruptions anticipated by Wednesday, February 25.
United Airways said its flight operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara stay canceled. KHOU Houston confirmed United has begun resuming some routes cautiously, however Puerto Vallarta stays on restricted standing.
Air Canada and WestJet each canceled all Puerto Vallarta flights, with Journey Pulse Canada reporting that World Affairs Canada has issued its personal shelter-in-place advisory for Jalisco — mirroring the U.S. place precisely.
What Is Nonetheless Working Usually
Not all of Mexico is affected. The U.S. Embassy’s Replace 4 confirmed the scenario has returned to regular in Quintana Roo — which incorporates Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum — in addition to Sinaloa and Tamaulipas. All different Mexican airports exterior of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are working usually with no security-related flight disruptions reported.
What Vacationers With Upcoming Bookings Ought to Do
If you’re at present in Puerto Vallarta, keep in your lodge, keep away from street-level motion, and monitor the U.S. Embassy’s official alerts web page straight for real-time updates. Don’t try to achieve the airport till your airline particularly confirms your flight is working and highway entry is confirmed clear.
When you have an upcoming reserving by February 26, contact your airline instantly to activate your journey waiver — all main U.S. carriers have waivers in place permitting fee-free rebooking or cancellation. Doc all communications and maintain receipts for any extra lodging prices incurred, as these could qualify for reimbursement relying in your airline’s coverage and your journey insurance coverage protection.
The Sensible Traveler Enrollment Program — a free U.S. State Division service — offers real-time emergency alerts on to your telephone and is strongly really useful for any traveler at present in Mexico.
