Airlines are canceling flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta (PVR) this week but safety concerns have spread to many tourist hotspots across the country after the military killing of a notorious cartel leader over the weekend spurred violence in western Mexico.
Many tourists are currently stranded in Puerto Vallarta after cartel members took to the streets in parts of the states of Nayarit and Jalisco, blocking highways, setting vehicles on fire, and causing widespread unrest. That follows the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes – better known as “El Mencho” – in a military operation on Sunday.
Scary images of burned out cars and buildings in Puerto Vallarta and nearby Guadalajara, also in the state of Jalisco, circulating on social media have a lot of people (understandably) on edge. While much of the violence has been concentrated outside of major resort zones, the ripple effects have spread quickly.
The U.S. State Department issued a warning to travelers, recommending to shelter in place – and not just around Puerto Vallarta, but in other tourist hotspots as far away as Oaxaca and even Quintana Roo: home to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and Tulum.
Mexico: Update – Due to ongoing security operations & related road blockages & criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place, as U.S. government staff in several locations are doing and will continue to do on Feb 23. While no… pic.twitter.com/OxPzmcdFYT
— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 23, 2026
As of Monday, the Puerto Vallarta airport remains open, but major U.S. airlines – including Delta, American, United, and Alaska – have issued travel advisories and canceled most flights to and from the airport. Cancellations are expected to continue for at least a few days.
Thus far, flights to other major Mexican airports like Cancún (CUN), Tulum (TQO), San Jose del Cabo (SJD), and Mexico City (MEX) haven't been affected.
What to Do Next
If you’re scheduled to travel to Puerto Vallarta this week or next, you'll want to pay close attention.
Monitor your flight status and any notifications from your airline. Apps like Flighty and TripIt often do a much better job of catching these changes before the airlines notify customers on their own.
If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a full refund – not just an airline voucher or credit – even if you booked a nonrefundable ticket. Most airlines are also offering flexible rebooking options for travelers with upcoming reservations, allowing you to move your trip to a later date.
If your flight is still operating but you’d prefer not to travel, you may still have options. Travelers who booked main cabin (not basic economy) or higher fares can typically cancel for a credit or voucher and use it toward a future trip – including to a completely different destination.
Given the uncertainty and continued unrest, travelers planning trips to Puerto Vallarta in the coming days should probably consider making alternate plans.
For hotels and vacation rentals, contact the property directly as soon as possible. Even if your reservation is technically nonrefundable, many reputable hotels are working with guests due to the extraordinary circumstances. If a property refuses to provide flexibility, you may have options through travel insurance — either a standalone policy or coverage provided by the credit card used to book your trip. But you'll need to read the fine print, as every policy is different.
For travelers already in Puerto Vallarta, check with your airline for rebooking options and monitor official guidance from local authorities and your home country’s embassy or consulate.
What About Other Destinations in Mexico?
Right or wrong, Mexico's safety reputation has been larger than life for years. This won't help.
Locals and travelers we've heard from outside of the epicenter of yesterday's violence in Puerto Vallarta say the situation is calm, yet certainly a bit tense. Keep in mind: Tourism is Mexico's lifeblood. While negative headlines are unavoidable, violence and crime rarely penetrates the hotel zones and resort conclaves that most travelers flock to.
Worried about your winter getaway or spring break trip to Mexico in the coming weeks or months?
- Give it time. This is a fluid and fast-moving situation. There's no telling what things will look and feel like even a few days from now, let alone in weeks or months.
- Register for STEP alerts from the U.S. State Department. The State Department sends out automated safety alerts and precautionary changes, so this is a great way to stay up-to-date.
- Book your flights, hotels, and other travel flexibly. If you haven't booked already, make sure you're not booking a bunch of nonrefundable expenses – just in case your plans do change.
- Watch for waivers from the airlines. While major U.S. carriers so far have only issued flexible change waivers for Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, there's always a chance that will expand. That would allow you to cancel your trip to Mexico, if need be, for a voucher that you could put toward a different trip.
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
