YVR Puerto Vallarta Flights Cancelled: Vancouver Travelers Stranded as Mexico Violence Escalates

For hundreds of Vancouverites, the dream of a mid-winter escape to the golden beaches of Puerto Vallarta turned into a terminal-side nightmare this week. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) officially announced the cancellation of all flights to and from the popular Mexican resort town, citing a “rapidly evolving security situation” that has effectively shut down the region’s main airport and left travelers on both sides of the border in limbo.

The disruption comes on the heels of a massive military operation in the state of Jalisco that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes—famously known as “El Mencho”—the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). While his death is a historic blow to organized crime, the immediate aftermath has turned one of Mexico’s most beloved tourist hubs into a zone of high alert.

“It’s Eerie”: The Scene at YVR and Abroad

Inside the terminals at YVR, the atmosphere on Sunday was one of confusion and quiet frustration. Passengers who were already at their gates, suitcases packed with summer wear, were greeted with “Cancelled” status updates on flight boards.

“Our guest experience team is in the terminal assisting affected passengers,” YVR said in a statement. “We are aware of a security situation within Puerto Vallarta that is impacting operations at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR).”

For those already in Puerto Vallarta, the experience has been far more visceral. B.C. resident Ryan Voutilainen, who was visiting the Zona Romántica district, described the sudden shift in tone. “Saturday night was a normal night… nothing would have given you any indication that anything unusual was going on,” he told CityNews. By Sunday morning, the streets were filled with the sound of low-flying military helicopters and the sight of smoke rising over the bay from burning vehicles—a classic “narco-blockade” tactic used by cartels to hinder military movement.

The “Shelter in Place” Order

The Canadian government has upgraded its travel advisory to the highest possible level for the region, issuing a “shelter in place” order for all Canadians in Puerto Vallarta and the wider Jalisco state.

According to Global Affairs Canada, criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles and engaged in shootouts with security forces. For the estimated 5,000 Canadians currently in Jalisco, the message is clear: Stay inside your hotel or residence, stay away from windows, and do not attempt to travel to the airport until authorities declare it safe.

Airline Responses: WestJet, Air Canada, and Beyond

The ripple effect of the violence has crippled aviation across Western Canada.

• WestJet: The Calgary-based carrier has diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled an additional 37 flights to and from PVR, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo.
• Air Canada: Operations in Puerto Vallarta have been temporarily suspended. The airline has advised passengers not to go to the airport and is offering flexible rebooking policies for those impacted.
• Porter & Sunwing: These carriers have also halted service, with Sunwing working to arrange extended stays for guests currently stuck in Mexican resorts to ensure they remain in secure environments.

The Human Toll: Vacationers in Limbo

This crisis highlights the fragile intersection of global tourism and regional instability. For many Vancouver families, Puerto Vallarta is an annual tradition—a safe, sun-soaked second home. Tasha Duckworth, a resident of Shawnigan Lake, had already boarded her flight in Victoria with her husband and six-year-old son when the pilot announced the trip was cancelled.

“We were advised to take our luggage and that our flight would be rescheduled,” she said. “We just hope everyone there is okay.”

Meanwhile, back in Mexico, the “Code Red” security alert issued by Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro has brought public life to a standstill. Schools are closed, public transport is suspended, and the usually bustling Malecón is eerily empty.

What Vancouver Travelers Should Do Now

If you have travel plans to Western Mexico this week, the situation is extremely volatile.

1. Check Before You Leave: Do not head to YVR without confirming your flight status on the airline’s website.
2. Monitor Official Advisories: Keep a close eye on the website for updates on the shelter-in-place order.
3. Register with STEP: If you are currently in Mexico, ensure you are registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive emergency instructions.
4. Stay Patient: Airlines are dealing with a massive backlog. Rebooking may take several days as the security situation stabilizes.

The Bottom Line

The death of “El Mencho” is a significant moment in the history of international security, but the immediate cost is being paid by local residents and the thousands of travelers caught in the crossfire. As the “Code Red” continues into the work week, Vancouverites are left waiting and watching, hoping for a return to the “peaceful paradise” they know and love.

The post YVR Puerto Vallarta Flights Cancelled: Vancouver Travelers Stranded as Mexico Violence Escalates appeared first on Travel And Tour World.