U.S. Embassy Updates Advisory for Mexico as Airports and Tourist Destinations in Jalisco, Including Puerto Vallarta, Reopen Following Recent Violence

In a significant development, Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports in Mexico have resumed normal operations after a period of turbulence caused by violent unrest in the region. The airports, which are major travel hubs for international tourists, especially those from the United States and Canada, are now fully operational, and airlines have resumed flights as usual. The situation has stabilized significantly since the unrest that began earlier in the week, with security forces, including both police and military personnel, maintaining a visible presence to ensure the safety of travelers and locals alike.
The disturbance initially unfolded in Jalisco State, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beaches and vibrant culture. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, violence erupted across the state due to a large-scale military operation targeting the notorious drug cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera, better known as “El Mencho.” Oseguera, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), had been the subject of an extensive manhunt by Mexican authorities. The operation resulted in his reported death, but it also triggered violent retribution from cartel members, who set up roadblocks, burned vehicles, and engaged in gunfights with security forces. The chaos disrupted daily life and caused significant delays in air and ground travel.
In the wake of the violence, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an advisory urging American citizens to shelter in place. This directive covered not only Puerto Vallarta but also other parts of Jalisco, including Guadalajara, Chapala, and several surrounding areas. The embassy’s warning urged travelers to remain indoors, avoid crowds, and limit movement until further notice. The Canadian government issued a similar advisory, highlighting the dangers of travel within the region due to roadblocks, explosions, and shootouts between cartel members and security forces.
The violence and its aftermath caused major disruptions to air travel, particularly for international travelers heading to Puerto Vallarta, a famous resort town along Mexico’s Pacific coast. Air Canada, along with several U.S. airlines, canceled flights to and from the affected airports, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to change their travel plans. Videos circulating on social media depicted scenes of confusion and panic at the Puerto Vallarta airport, where travelers were seen rushing for safety amidst the chaos, with smoke rising over parts of the city from burning vehicles.
However, as of Tuesday, February 24, the situation in Jalisco began to improve. Local authorities in the state of Jalisco issued a statement assuring residents and tourists that conditions were stabilizing, and the region was safe to visit once again. The statement noted the presence of both military and police personnel in strategic locations to prevent further outbreaks of violence and to address any potential threats.
The U.S. Embassy followed up its earlier advisory with a more positive update. It lifted the shelter-in-place order, affirming that the region had largely returned to normal operations. Both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports were back to regular schedules, and all airlines had resumed flights. U.S. citizens were advised to check with airlines for flight status updates and to consider alternate routes if necessary, but the immediate threat had subsided. The U.S. Embassy also noted that the overall safety situation in Mexico had returned to its usual levels, though travelers were still encouraged to stay informed and follow local advisories.
While air travel resumed without major issues, the road conditions remained a concern. Several key highways in Jalisco, particularly those connecting Puerto Vallarta with other parts of the state, were still blocked as a result of the cartel-led roadblocks. Mexican authorities were working diligently to clear these roads and restore full access. However, local transportation in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara was operating as usual, and businesses, including restaurants and shops, had reopened. The increased presence of security forces in the area served to reassure both residents and tourists that their safety was a top priority.
Tourism in Puerto Vallarta, a key destination for travelers from the U.S. and Canada, is crucial to the region’s economy. The resort town had already been experiencing a significant surge in visitors in recent years, drawn by its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Despite the recent violence, officials were quick to emphasize that Puerto Vallarta and other tourist destinations in Jalisco were safe for travel, with heightened security measures now in place to prevent any further disturbances.
The U.S. Embassy’s final advisory echoed this sentiment, advising Americans that while some disruption to local infrastructure and transportation was still ongoing, most of the region was functioning normally. The embassy reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens abroad and reminded travelers to remain vigilant and stay informed about any changes to local conditions.
For the time being, it appears that Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and the broader Jalisco region are recovering from the recent wave of violence, and tourism activities are returning to normal. The international community, including both the U.S. and Canadian governments, has acknowledged the efforts of Mexican authorities to restore stability in the region and ensure that the safety of tourists is not compromised.
While it remains essential for travelers to monitor the situation closely and confirm flight details directly with airlines, the reopening of the airports and the resumption of normal operations are positive signs that the region is moving toward a full recovery. With the strong presence of law enforcement and the continuing restoration of roadways, tourists and residents in Jalisco can feel confident in the security measures now in place.
In conclusion, Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are back to business as usual, with airports open and tourism in the region slowly returning to normal. The recent disturbances were undoubtedly a blow to the local economy, but the swift and decisive response from local authorities has managed to restore order. For now, Jalisco remains a safe and accessible destination for travelers, with heightened security ensuring that tourists can enjoy the region’s offerings without concern.
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