Vancouver International Airport says all flights between YVR and Puerto Vallarta have been cancelled Sunday.
“YVR is aware of a security situation within Puerto Vallarta that is impacting operations at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR),” the airport said.
“Our guest experience team is in the terminal assisting affected passengers.”
The airport had originally said the cancellations run until Feb. 25, but this has been changed to read Sunday only. However, this may change. Travellers are advised to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
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Air Canada, Porter, and WestJet had earlier cancelled all flights into the Puerto Vallarta airport.
This comes after violence erupted following the Mexican army killing the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” in an operation Sunday. The Canadian government has warned all citizens in Jalisco State, which includes Puerto Vallarta, to shelter in place as violence escalates.
YVR says updates will be provided as they become available.
Editor’s note: a previous version had stated it was the airport that had cancelled the flights.
The Canadian government upgraded its travel advisory for Jalisco State Sunday morning.
“Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta,” the advisory says.
“There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions.”
Everyone in Puerto Vallarta is asked to shelter in place. All taxi and rideshare services have been suspended.
The advisory says that anyone in Jalisco should “keep a low profile,” monitor local and international media to keep informed about the “rapidly evolving situation,” and follow all advice from local authorities, including shelter-in-place orders.
Canadians in all parts of Mexico — not just Jalisco State — should be aware of advisories in place.
Several areas — including popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, and Mexico City — are under an advisory to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to “high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.”
Tourists are advised to monitor the Canadian government’s travel advisories for updates.
Other areas are under the advisory to avoid non-essential travel due to high levels of violence and organized crime.