Sunday, February 22, 2026 l Dalena News Desk
WINNIPEG & OTTAWA — Canadians planning winter getaways to Mexico were left stranded and on edge Sunday after violence erupted in the popular Pacific coast resort city of Puerto Vallarta, prompting airlines to cancel flights, including departures and arrivals from cities such as Winnipeg, amid government safety advisories urging travellers to remain indoors.
The sudden unrest unfolded following a security operation by Mexico’s armed forces in the state of Jalisco on Saturday, which officials said resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes — widely known as “El Mencho,” leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Reports indicate the operation sparked clashes between security forces and cartel members, breaking out across multiple municipalities and including roadblocks, arson attacks and violent confrontations.
As the situation escalated, airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and other carriers announced the cancellation or suspension of flights into and out of Puerto Vallarta’s airport, affecting routes across Canada including scheduled services to and from Winnipeg and leaving travellers in limbo as travel operations were disrupted for the day.
According to travel advisories and reports from Canadian media, many Canadians in the area were instructed to shelter in place and maintain a low profile as local authorities and federal officials urged residents and visitors to remain indoors for their safety while the unrest unfolded.
Local reports described scenes of unrest, including burning vehicle blockades and smoke visible across parts of Puerto Vallarta and other cities in Jalisco, creating a tense environment that prompted authorities to limit movement and suspend some transportation services including taxis and rideshares.
Global Affairs Canada issued warnings advising Canadians in the region to stay aware of their surroundings, follow local instructions, and stay informed through official channels and media updates as conditions develop. These advisories came amid heightened concern over public safety in the resort destination, which typically draws thousands of tourists from Canada and beyond during the winter travel season.
Travel disruptions extended beyond Canadian carriers, with reports from global news sources indicating that other international airlines also postponed services in response to the turbulent security situation and road blockages jeopardizing reliable access to the airport.
As of Sunday evening, authorities had not provided a firm timeline for the resumption of normal travel operations or a full accounting of the unrest’s impact on public safety, with travellers advised to monitor alerts and follow guidance from local officials and their respective airlines before attempting travel.