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: 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 its passengers and employees.
American Airlines and Air Canada Also Halt Operations
American Airlines suspended its remaining flights for the day to and from Guadalajara (GDL), Mazatlán (MZT), and Puerto Vallarta (PVR). The airline declared 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 announcement, the airlines have not announced further cancellations beyond Sunday. Some airlines issued free ticket change policies for affected passengers.
Military Operation Eliminates Drug Lord El Mencho
The flight cancellations occurred 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 authorities have identified this organization as a major source of fentanyl supplied to the US.
The Mexican government warned of clashes in Jalisco and widespread criminal activity, leading to "shelter-in-place" advisories from the US Embassy in Mexico for several states.
El Mencho Had a $15 Million Bounty on His Head
"El Mencho" previously had a $15 million bounty from the US. He rose to prominence after the capture of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. 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 Provided Intelligence to Support the Operation
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on social media platform X: Mexican security forces eliminated "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.
