Many airlines simultaneously cancel flights to Mexico
Several US and Canadian airlines simultaneously canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and some Mexican cities on Sunday after Mexican authorities announced the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, nicknamed El Mencho, in a military operation in Jalisco state.
United Airlines canceled all Sunday flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The airline confirmed to FOX Business that all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) for the day were canceled.
Southwest Airlines canceled all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta for the day, including four inbound and four outbound flights. The airline stated it continues to assess the situation, prioritizing the safety of passengers and employees.
American Airlines and Air Canada also halt operations
American Airlines suspended remaining flights for the day to and from Guadalajara (GDL), Mazatlán (MZT), and Puerto Vallarta (PVR). The airline stated it is monitoring developments to adjust operations as necessary to ensure safety.
Air Canada announced a temporary suspension of operations in Puerto Vallarta.
As of the time of announcement, airlines have not declared further cancellations beyond Sunday. Some airlines issued free rebooking policies for affected passengers.
Military operation kills drug lord El Mencho
The decision to cancel flights came after the Mexican military conducted an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, targeting Nemesio Oseguera — a former police officer and leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación. US officials identified this organization as a major source of fentanyl entering the US.
The Mexican government warned of clashes in Jalisco and widespread criminal activity, leading to a shelter-in-place recommendation from the US Embassy in Mexico for several states.
El Mencho once had a $15 million bounty
El Mencho once had a $15 million bounty from the US. He rose to prominence after Joaquín El Chapo Guzmán's arrest. Over approximately 15 years, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación expanded from a regional criminal group into a global drug trafficking network based in Jalisco.
US provides intelligence to support operation
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on social media platform X: Mexican security forces killed El Mencho, one of the most notorious drug lords; this is a major development for Mexico, the US, and the region.
Mexico's Ministry of Defense stated the operation was part of bilateral coordination with the US; the US provided intelligence to support the operation.
The security situation in hotspots continues to be monitored.
