Travel chaos has erupted in some of Mexico’s most popular tourist regions on Sunday, following a Mexican military operation to kill a top drug cartel leader.
Mexican military officials killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on Sunday 22 February, Mexico’s Defence Ministry said in a statement posted on X. The mission was carried out using intelligence support provided by the US government, the Trump administration said.
News of El Mencho’s death brought a quick onset of violence throughout Mexico’s western state of Jalisco, with organised crime groups setting buses on fire, blocking roads, and continuing conflicts with the military, CNN reports.
As a result, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has advised against all but essential travel to a majority of areas within the following Mexican states: Baja California, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Chiapas.
While the FCDO advises against all but essential travel within some Mexican states and regions in their entirety, for instance, Zacatecas and the Baja California city of Tijuana, some areas of the country come with more specific instructions. For example, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the state of Colima, “except the city of Manzanillo accessed by sea or air via the Manzanillo-Costalegre International Airport, and direct travel via road 200 from the airport to Manzanillo.”
For the latest detailed information, see gov.uk.
What’s happening at Jalisco’s airports?
Officials at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) were reassuring travellers late on Sunday, 22 February, that the facility remains safe. As of the morning of Tuesday 24 February, a short statement at the top of the website states, “Puerto Vallarta Airport remains open. Some airlines have cancelled/rescheduled flights. Please check directly with your airline.”
The arrivals and departures boards for Tuesday 24 February show a majority of flights remain scheduled as planned, with a few cancellations from airlines including Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.
Many major carriers in the US, Canada, and Mexico are continuing to suspend their flights to and from the region through at least Tuesday 24 February. However, some international flights were scheduled to restart in the region as of Monday afternoon.
Ground transportation impact
Travellers should be aware that ground transportation remains disrupted, primarily due to government roadblocks across the region. In particular, travellers in Jalisco are advised to minimise their movements and follow any local shelter‑in‑place instructions. The latest UK government advice, as of Tuesday 24 February, notes how current conditions are affecting transport and services across Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
A statement reads, “Routes to airports may be blocked. Flight schedules to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have also been disrupted, with several airlines cancelling or diverting services at short notice. Check for messages from your airline or tour operator before travelling to the airport, and monitor local and international media for updates…
Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico, including in tourist areas in Quintana Roo and Oaxaca states. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, stay alert and follow local security advice.”
What else travellers need to know
For urgent consular assistance in Mexico, British nationals should call the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 24/7 hotline at +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Advice given to travellers by the US embassy applies to all:
- Avoid areas around law enforcement activity
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Seek shelter and minimise unnecessary movements
- Monitor local media for updates
- Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911
- Avoid crowds
- Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media
This is a developing news story and will be updated with more information. This article was first published by Condé Nast Traveler.
