Cartel violence flares in Western Mexico, disrupting Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara travel

Cartel-related violence has erupted in western Mexico on Sunday, February 22, 2026, triggering highway blockades, vehicle burnings and significant air travel disruption centered on the state of Jalisco.

The unrest is linked to operations against the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). It follows a Mexican army raid with the arrest of notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The cartel’s revenge has primarily impacted the cities of Guadalajara and Pacific resort destination Puerto Vallarta.

Authorities report coordinated “narco-blockades” involving hijacked and torched trucks and buses positioned across major highways. The tactic is designed to disrupt infrastructure, slow security forces and create widespread paralysis rather than directly target tourists.

Collateral impact on travelers immediate

Access routes to Puerto Vallerta International Airport (PVR) and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) have been intermittently affected, prompting flight cancellations and delays. Several North American carriers temporarily suspended services citing crew safety and ground access concerns. In Puerto Vallarta, all the flights were cancelled on Sunday afternoon.

The Pacific Airport Group said in a statement Sunday that the Mexican National Guard had been dispatched to both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports. It indicated that no incidents had taken place inside the two airports’ terminals, attributing video images to panicking passengers. The Group stated that they are absolutely no danger within the airports’ compound or inside terminals as all are heavily guarded by security forces.

Flights at Guadalaraja and Puerto Vallarta are due to resume on Monday, February 23.

Airlines have however issued travel waivers allowing passengers booked to Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara to rebook, reroute to alternative destinations, or request refunds without penalty.

Travel advisors report confusion among clients currently in the region, particularly those attempting to reach airports while highway closures remain fluid. Foreign embassies have advised visitors in affected areas to remain inside their hotels, avoid road travel and monitor official updates.

Situation is normal outside Western Mexico states

The violence is highly localized to western states including Jalisco and neighboring Nayarit, Colima and Michoacán. Resort properties in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit continue operating under heightened security, with most incidents occurring on highways rather than within hotel zones.

Crucially, Mexico’s main Caribbean tourism corridor remains unaffected. Destinations including Cancún, Tulum and the wider Riviera Maya in Quintana Roo are operating normally. Airports are fully functional and no cartel-related disruptions have been reported in the region.

Similarly, Los Cabos in Baja California Sur remains geographically isolated from the mainland unrest and continues to welcome visitors without incident.

Security analysts stress that while images circulating on social media appear dramatic, the current flare-up reflects a regional power struggle rather than a nationwide security breakdown.

For travel sellers, the key message is geographic clarity and providing the following information: 

– Trips involving Jalisco, Colima or Michoacán in the coming days may warrant postponement or rerouting. Clients traveling to Cancun, the Riviera Maya or Los Cabos do not currently face elevated risk beyond standard travel precautions.

– Passengers booked to Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara are urged not to proceed to the airport without direct confirmation from their airline that flights are operating.

– Guests already in Puerto Vallarta or nearby Riviera Nayarit resorts should remain on resort property, avoid highways and downtown excursions and not travel after dark.

– Guests are advised to follow official embassy and local authority alerts. They should register their trip with government’s traveler program.