Following the killing of a drug cartel leader by armed forces in Mexico, travellers in the country’s southwest state of Jalisco have been warned to stay indoors, avoid non-essential journeys, and comply with local authority guidance due to unofficial road blockades and eruptions of violence. Cruises to the region have been diverted, and flights cancelled, leaving some visitors stranded, as state forces attempt to secure the airport in Puerto Vallarta.
The instability comes as a blow to tourism in Jalisco, a state described by Lonely Planet as “quintessential Mexico” and considered the birthplace of mariachi music and tequila. State capital Guadalajara boasts UNESCO-recognised colonial architecture, while coastal towns such as Puerto Vallarta offer cobbled streets, palm-lined beaches, and some of the best diving on the Pacific.
Reports of shooters blocking highways and setting cars on fire have prompted officials in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States to update travel advisories for the region, urging people to shelter in place and exercise caution.
🇲🇽🚨| URGENTE: Así amaneció Guadalajara hoy. La comunista Claudia Sheinbaum no quiere que sepas esto. DALE ME GUSTA Y RT para que todos se enteren de la verdad de su narcogobierno socialista. pic.twitter.com/PiN0SUtE44
— Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni) February 23, 2026
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office said: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.”
The guidance continues: “Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.” Later, a clarification recommended “intercity road travel during daylight hours” for essential trips.
🚨🇲🇽 Narcos are setting up blockades, shutting down roads and streets
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 22, 2026
In the video, armed men hijack a civilian’s car in Guadalajara, Mexico, just to torch it.
The cartels show no regard for innocent people.pic.twitter.com/Z7f1dsaBfx https://t.co/H7iSCTVClw
The message has been echoed by Global Affairs Canada, which flagged that the situation “could deteriorate rapidly.” Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told press on 23 February that the “safety and security of Canadians abroad remains our top priority.”
Puerto Vallarta airport said in a statement on X a day earlier that “all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been cancelled. We urge passengers and users to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by airport personnel at all times.” The statement explained: “The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.”
@shortformclipr People currently rushing for cover in Guadalajara airport, amid a recent security operation #guadalajara #airport #safety #mexico🇲🇽 ♬ original sound – shortformclipr
Many of Mexico’s resorts are over 1,600 km away from the affected areas and US state department officials have pointed out that the security “situation has returned to normal” in the states of Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), Colima, Guanajuato, Estado de Mexico, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.
Observers will be monitoring the situation carefully as the US and Canada prepare to co-host the FIFA Men’s football World Cup later in 2026 with Mexico. Guadalajara is set to welcome four matches.
(1/4) Following consultation with the Government of Canada and Mexican authorities, we will resume full operations from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, February 24. Operations from Toronto to Guadalajara will resume on Feb. 25.
— Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 24, 2026
With current travel advice stopping short of a travel embargo, unless their trips are planned to the directly affected area, holidaymakers who wish to cancel will need to check the terms and conditions of their booking, carrier, and any insurance to find out what their options are.
American Airlines, Delta, and United are all currently offering fee waivers for reservation changes, while Air Canada, which has a large number of would-be passengers in Jalisco, said it would resume flights between Toronto and Guadalajara on 25 February, along with WestJet and Air Transat. Airports elsewhere in Mexico are reportedly operating as usual—albeit with the potential for high demand due to the knock-on effects of the Jalisco cancellations.
