As of Tuesday, February 24, the airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are back to normal operations, according to the group that manages them. While security personnel are at both airports to ensure travelers’ safety, all airlines are now operating as usual.
Those who need to fly home from these airports are able to book flights and take them home, while others are now able to fly to both airports from the U.S. and Canada.
The state of Jalisco published a statement noting that tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, are now safe, with a strong police and military presence to “respond to any possible contingency.” Restaurants and other businesses are open, as well.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is also no longer urging Americans to shelter in place, either. While it noted that some roads in Jalisco that had been blocked during the gang violence are still being cleared, the rest of the region is operating as usual.
Update: February 24, 2026, at 10:20 a.m. ET
Due to road blockages and criminal activity tied to security
operations on February 22, United States citizens in certain parts of Mexico
are being advised to shelter in place, according to the State Department. Although incidents primarily occurred on Sunday, authorities
say conditions have since stabilized in many regions across the country.
Airports nationwide remain open and largely operational,
with no widespread flight disruptions outside of Guadalajara and Puerto
Vallarta, where service is gradually resuming. American travelers are advised
to confirm flight status directly with airlines and consider alternate routes
if needed. U.S. citizens should stay updated on local conditions and
official advisories before moving around impacted areas.
While the State Department said safety conditions have
returned to normal in Quintana Roo, cruise lines serving the region are still
exercising caution, with Carnival Cruise Line announcing the cancellation of select
shore excursions on ships visiting Cozumel, according to Cruise News Today.
Original Text
U.S. citizens visiting
Puerto
Vallarta and the surrounding areas are being urged to shelter in place amid
a sudden outbreak of violence in the region. The civil unrest in one of Mexico’s
most popular tourism destinations has prompted flight cancellations and disruptions on the ground.
The U.S. Embassy
in Mexico issued
an alert on Sunday advising Americans to “shelter in place until further
notice” if they are currently in Jalisco State — which includes Puerto Vallarta,
Chapala and Guadalajara — as well as in the states of Tamaulipas, Michoacán,
Guerrero and Nuevo León. The alert also urged travelers to “avoid crowds,”
“seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements” and “monitor local media for
updates.”
The advisory
follows several hours of civil disturbances tied to a reported military
operation targeting a major drug cartel leader. According to the Associated
Press, Nemesio Oseguera — known as “El Mencho” and identified as the leader
of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — was killed during the operation. His
reported death triggered violent actions that included burning vehicles and
roadblocks across parts of Jalisco and neighboring states.
According to SFGate,
videos shared on social media and by local journalists show thick black smoke
rising from car fires and vehicles set ablaze to block roadways. Causing these
types of roadblocks is a known tactic used by cartels to slow or disrupt military
forces during such operations.
Additional footage
circulating online showed travelers rushing through Puerto Vallarta’s airport in
panic and smoke visible over parts of the city. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus has
reportedly told residents to stay home and temporarily shut down public
transportation as a safety precaution. Meanwhile, tourists are being instructed
to stay inside their hotels.
“Criminal groups
have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco
State, including in Puerto Vallarta,” the Canadian government said in its own alert.
“There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions. There are
significant disruptions to travel and transportation, including flight delays
and cancellations. A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta.
All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice.”
Air travel in and
out of the region has also been impacted. Air Canada confirmed Sunday that it
had canceled all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta due to the “ongoing
security situation.” Other carriers have also cancelled departures to the
resort town from such West Coast gateways as Los Angeles, San Jose and San
Francisco.
Those with plans
to fly to Puerto Vallarta or any of the affected regions in Mexico are advised to
check their flight’s status directly with the airline before heading to the
airport.
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