Major carriers across North America and Mexico suspended or cancelled service to Puerto Vallarta after violence escalated in western Mexico following the reported killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera (“El Mencho”) on 22 February 2026. FlightGlobal said the disruption spread beyond Puerto Vallarta to other cities in Jalisco, with local authorities issuing shelter-in-place orders and airlines urging customers not to go to the airports.
According to FlightGlobal, United and Southwest cancelled Puerto Vallarta flights through 25 February, while American cancelled Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara flights through 24 February. Air Canada suspended Puerto Vallarta operations on 22–23 February, and WestJet cancelled more than 50 flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo, while also diverting seven flights already en route. Mexican carriers were also hit: Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus all reported cancellations tied to unrest, road blockages and airport staffing disruptions.
Reuters separately confirmed Air Canada’s temporary suspension and United’s cancellations, both citing safety concerns amid the operation-related unrest.
Images: Airlive