Cartel Violence Disrupts Mexican Tourism: What Canadians Necessitate to Know
A wave of violence following the death of a major cartel leader has thrown travel plans into chaos for thousands of Canadians in Mexico, particularly in the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta. Flights have been cancelled, tourists are being urged to shelter in place, and questions are mounting about how to safely navigate the situation.
The Spark: El Mencho’s Death and the Retaliation
The unrest began Sunday after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a military raid. In response, cartel members blockaded highways with burning cars and targeted businesses across more than 20 Mexican states, paralyzing transportation and creating a climate of fear. At least 73 people have died as a result of the operation and subsequent violence, including security forces, suspected cartel members, and civilians.
Travel Advisories and Government Response
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is advising Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution throughout Mexico, and to avoid non-essential travel to several states due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping. Shelter-in-place orders are currently in effect in Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara) and Nayarit. GAC warns that similar instructions, including curfews, may be issued with little notice elsewhere in the country.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the safety and security of Canadians abroad is the government’s top priority. As of Monday, approximately 26,305 Canadians in Mexico have registered with GAC, though the actual number is likely much higher. Canadians in Mexico are urged to register with GAC if they haven’t already.
Which Areas Are Most Affected?
The initial violence was concentrated in Jalisco, prompting the shelter-in-place order for Puerto Vallarta. However, GAC also warns of security incidents in Guerrero (including Acapulco), Michoacán, Sinaloa (including Mazatlán), Quintana Roo (including Cancun), Baja California (including Tijuana and Tecate), and Nayarit.
Flight Cancellations and Airline Responses
Major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Flair Airlines, and Porter Airlines, have cancelled or diverted flights to and from Puerto Vallarta. Air Canada has cancelled all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and is urging customers in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta to remain at their accommodations until further notice. WestJet diverted seven flights on Sunday and cancelled many more, including all flights to Puerto Vallarta on Monday. Air Transat has postponed all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta for Sunday and Monday. Flair Airlines has cancelled all flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Porter Airlines has cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta for Sunday and Monday, but flights to Cancun are currently operating normally.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expects flights to and from Puerto Vallarta to resume within days, and Aeromexico is gradually resuming flights to Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, and Tepic.
What Rights Do Stranded Canadians Have?
According to Gabor Lukacs, president of Air Passenger Rights, Canadians whose flights are cancelled or delayed have the right to alternate transportation. Airlines are obligated to book passengers on another flight, even with a different carrier, and provide ground transportation to the alternative airport if necessary. Lukacs strongly advises against accepting a refund, as doing so waives the right to alternate transportation.
What Canadians in Mexico Should Do Now
Canadians in Mexico are advised to:
- Heed the direction of local authorities.
- Keep a low profile.
- Follow the news for updates.
- Register with Global Affairs Canada (613-996-8885).
FAQ
Q: Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
A: Global Affairs Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution throughout Mexico and avoiding non-essential travel to several states.
Q: What if my flight is cancelled?
A: You are entitled to alternate transportation to your destination, provided by your airline.
Q: How many Canadians are currently in Mexico?
A: Approximately 26,305 Canadians are registered with Global Affairs Canada, but the actual number is likely higher.
Q: Is the Canadian government sending planes to bring people home?
A: Not at this time, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
Did you know? Accepting a refund for a cancelled flight may forfeit your right to be rebooked on another flight.
Stay informed and prioritize your safety. For the latest updates, consult the Global Affairs Canada travel website and monitor news reports from reputable sources.
Pro Tip: Download the Global Affairs Canada Travel Smart app for real-time updates and emergency contact information.
Have you been affected by the travel disruptions in Mexico? Share your experience in the comments below.
