UPDATE: Chaos erupts in Mexico as multiple airlines have canceled flights to popular destinations following the reported death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as El Mencho. The violence stems from a military operation targeting El Mencho, igniting panic among travelers and prompting urgent travel advisories.
Airlines including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines announced immediate flight cancellations to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. United Airlines confirmed the suspension of operations, stating, “United Airlines flight operations to/from PVR and GDL are canceled today.” Southwest echoed this, indicating that “we’ll continue to evaluate the conditions as the situation develops.”
The turmoil erupted on February 22, 2026, after Mexican troops reportedly conducted operations in Jalisco, targeting El Mencho, a former police officer and leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación. This cartel is recognized by US authorities as a major supplier of fentanyl to the United States, and El Mencho carried a $15 million bounty on his head.
In response to the escalating violence, the US Embassy in Mexico has issued shelter-in-place advisories for multiple states, urging American citizens to seek safety due to potential clashes and broader criminal activity.
Witnesses at Guadalajara International Airport described scenes of panic as travelers fled amidst smoke billowing from nearby disturbances. Passengers are left stranded with limited transport options as airlines scramble to adapt to the rapidly changing situation.
Air travel disruptions continue as American Airlines announced the cancellation of flights to and from Guadalajara, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, stating, “We will continue to monitor the situation and make any additional changes to our operation as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our customers and team members.”
The military operation that led to El Mencho’s reported death has triggered violent unrest in the region. Aerial images show smoke plumes over Puerto Vallarta, indicating the scale of the chaos. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau commented on the development, stating, “I’ve just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed ‘El Mencho,’ one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” emphasizing the significance of this operation for security in the region.
As authorities navigate this crisis, travelers are advised to stay informed about flight statuses and safety advisories. With the situation evolving rapidly, continued updates are expected as airlines and officials assess the impact of this critical event on safety and security measures.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds, and consider sharing this article to inform others about the ongoing situation in Mexico.
