United Airlines cancelled all flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
“United Airlines flight operations to/from PVR (Puerto Vallarta) and GDL (Guadalajara) are cancelled today,” the airline stated in a release on Feb 22, according to Fox Business.
Southwest Airlines also suspended its operations to Puerto Vallarta for the day. “Southwest Airlines canceled the four flights that were scheduled to fly into Puerto Vallarta today and the four returning flights,” the airline noted in a statement.
“We will continue to assess the situation as it unfolds. Nothing is more critical to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and our employees,” it emphasized.
American Airlines canceled its remaining flights on Sunday to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Mazatlán.
Read more: India, United States, Canada issue travel alerts for Mexico following cartel violence
“Due to the circumstances in Guadalajara (GDL), Mazatlán (MZT), and Puerto Vallarta (PVR), American has ceased flights to and from GDL, MZT, and PVR for the remainder of Sunday, Feb. 22,” the airline stated, as reported by Fox Business.
“We will keep monitoring the situation and make any necessary adjustments to our operations 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 services in Puerto Vallarta. Several airlines issued travel waivers, allowing affected passengers to rebook without incurring change fees.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced on Sunday, Feb 22, that all international and most domestic flights had been canceled, as per local media reports.
The timeline for the resumption of normal operations remains uncertain, with anticipated roadblocks and further disruptions in the upcoming days.
India, US, and Canada warn citizens
The Indian Embassy in Mexico, along with the US State Department, recommended that American citizens in affected areas of Mexico shelter in place due to security measures and criminal activity.
Read more: El Mencho killed in military operation in Mexico: The rise and power of the CJNG leader
The advisory covered various states including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, which encompasses the tourist hotspot of Puerto Vallarta.
This warning followed what officials termed retaliatory violence after the Mexican Army killed Oseguera, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which US authorities have identified as a significant supplier of fentanyl.
