Canadian airlines resume Mexico flights after cartel violence disruptions

Major Canadian airlines are set to resume flights to Mexico on February 24, 2026. The decision, announced on February 23, 2026, ends a brief suspension of service following widespread violence that erupted after Mexican authorities killed a prominent drug cartel leader.

Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines all confirmed plans to restore operations to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) and other Mexican cities after reviewing security conditions with local authorities.

Violence prompts flight cancellations

The Canadian airlines suspended service from February 22-23, 2026 after violence broke out across multiple Mexican states following the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. 

Mexican forces killed the cartel leader during a security operation near Puerto Vallarta in what authorities described as one of the most significant blows to organized crime in years.

At least 73 people died in the subsequent violence, including members of the National Guard and cartel operatives. Authorities deployed the army and National Guard to restore order, while tourists and locals in affected regions were told to shelter in place.

Coordinated service restoration

Air Canada said it will resume full operations from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta on February 24, 2026, with flights from Toronto to Guadalajara restarting February 25, 2026. The carrier had suspended flights along with United Airlines, Aeromexico, and American Airlines following the violence.

(1/4) Following consultation with the Government of Canada and Mexican authorities, we will resume full operations from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, February 24. Operations from Toronto to Guadalajara will resume on Feb. 25.— Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 24, 2026 WestJet announced it will restore scheduled operations to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo beginning February 24, 2026. 

“WestJet flights to Mexico will operate as scheduled to all destinations, with the safety of our guests and partners remaining our top priority,” the airline said.

Mexico Travel UpdateFlexchange Policy: https://t.co/XP2ADzggGhFlight status: https://t.co/YsnKCEQvc7Politique flexible en matière de modification et d’annulation: https://t.co/ilYOMQ2eU0État des vols: https://t.co/Dx4o8uD5gL pic.twitter.com/xMjzBwdWlo— WestJet (@WestJet) February 23, 2026 Air Transat confirmed on February 24, 2026, that it will resume its Puerto Vallarta service after receiving positive updates from local authorities. The airline noted that no road blockage incidents had been reported in Jalisco state and security measures had been reinforced.

Porter Airlines also announced plans to restart Puerto Vallarta service on February 24, 2026, offering complimentary flight changes through February 25, 2026.

Mexico Travel UpdateFlexchange Policy: https://t.co/XP2ADzggGhFlight status: https://t.co/YsnKCEQvc7Politique flexible en matière de modification et d’annulation: https://t.co/ilYOMQ2eU0État des vols: https://t.co/Dx4o8uD5gL pic.twitter.com/xMjzBwdWlo— WestJet (@WestJet) February 23, 2026 Passenger flexibility measures

The Canadian carriers are providing accommodation for travelers affected by the disruptions. Air Transat is maintaining special flexibility measures for flights on February 24 and 25, 2026, allowing travelers to change bookings without penalty or cancel trips in exchange for 12-month travel credits.

WestJet said it will review expense submissions from travelers who incurred costs due to the disruption and advised passengers to check flight status before heading to airports.

Canadian government response

More than 26,000 Canadians in Mexico are registered with Global Affairs Canada, highlighting the significant Canadian presence in the country. Local media outlet Global News reported that  Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said her Mexican counterpart expects the situation to “normalize” in the coming days.

Canada said it has no plans to send planes or military assistance to Mexico, though officials are advising Canadians to follow guidance from local authorities, including shelter-in-place orders where issued.

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