Flights between Chicago and several major Mexican cities, including popular tourist destinations, were canceled Sunday amid unrest following the death of the country’s top drug cartel leader. The disruption followed a military operation to capture the leader, who died whereas being transported to Mexico City.
Turbulence Follows Military Operation
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was wounded Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, approximately a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara. He died while being flown to Mexico City, according to a statement from the Defense Department. Jalisco serves as the base for the cartel, which is known for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.
Videos circulating online showed people running through Guadalajara’s airport in a state of panic following the military operation.
Travel Disruptions
Four flights between Guadalajara and Chicago were canceled, including Aeromexico Flight AM653, scheduled to depart O’Hare International Airport at 1:26 p.m., and VivaAerobus Flight VB546, scheduled to arrive at O’Hare at 10:45 p.m. Two Volaris flights between the cities were also canceled.
Unrest was also reported in Puerto Vallarta, a tourist destination, where videos showed smoke rising in the city. Travelers heading to or from Puerto Vallarta were affected by the disruptions.
Two American Airlines flights were canceled. A third American Airlines flight departing O’Hare at 8:07 a.m. Was diverted to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. United Airlines Flight UA1452, bound for Puerto Vallarta, departed O’Hare at 8:43 a.m. But was diverted to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.
Airlines have responded to the unrest by implementing flexible travel policies. American Airlines is offering fare waivers for flights between February 22-24. VivaAerobus passengers scheduled to fly on February 22 can change their travel one time at no cost. AeroMexico has implemented a protection policy for travel on February 22 and February 23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flight cancellations?
Several flights between Chicago and Mexico were canceled due to unrest following the death of the country’s top drug cartel leader by the Mexican military.
Where was the cartel leader killed?
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being flown to Mexico City.
Which airlines are offering flexible travel policies?
American Airlines, VivaAerobus, and AeroMexico have implemented flexible travel policies in response to the unrest.
How might the situation evolve in the coming days and weeks remains to be seen, but further disruptions or increased security measures are possible.
