Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara flights disrupted after leader’s death
Authorities and airlines moved quickly after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, with impacts reaching puerto vallarta and other parts of Jalisco. Officials reported clashes, roadblocks and transport suspensions that prompted diversions and flight cancellations.
Puerto Vallarta under shelter orders
In multiple statements the Canadian government said criminal groups had set up roadblocks with vehicles in flames in several cities in the state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta. The government explained that there had been shootings with security forces and explosions, and that "En Puerto Vallarta está vigente una orden para permanecer en las residencias. Todos los servicios de taxi y transporte de pasajeros están suspendidos hasta nuevo aviso. " The Canadian reaction described the situation as changing rapidly and said it was "profundamente alarmada" by the confrontations between security forces and criminal groups following the leader’s death.
Delta flight 1992 timeline
Delta Air Lines flight 1992 departed Atlanta the morning of 22 February bound for Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla airport in Guadalajara. The flight left at 9: 43 a. m. but, in midflight, the airplane landed at the Austin airport at 12: 20 p. m. after disturbances were reported in Jalisco. Flight records show that the same aircraft left Austin-Bergstrom at 01: 18 p. m. and was scheduled to land in Atlanta at 4: 26 p. m., returning the flight to its origin.
Mérida airport and Guardia Nacional
Authorities in Yucatán indicated the Aeropuerto de Mérida was operating with normal operations under reinforced surveillance by the Guardia Nacional, and that only a delay had been reported on a flight bound for Guadalajara.
Details of El Mencho operation
The wave of violence began after the death, in a federal operation, of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho. " He was killed in Tapalpa, 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco. The man identified as Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes was 56 years old and had been among the most wanted by Mexican and United States authorities, with a multimillion reward offered for information leading to his capture.
Airline suspensions and advisories
Following the disturbances, airlines adjusted schedules: Air Canada and other Canadian carriers suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta. Delta issued a notice that "due to civil disturbances in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, travel to, from or through the destinations listed below may be affected, " naming Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Officials advised passengers with travel to Jalisco to contact their airline to anticipate changes or cancellations. It was also noted that local authorities had issued orders to remain sheltered in some locations as the situation evolved.
The Canadian foreign minister, Anita Anand, stated that Ottawa was following closely "la grave y rápida evolución de la situación de seguridad en el estado de Jalisco, " and reiterated concern about armed clashes, roadblocks and vehicles set on fire that followed the security operation.
As of the latest updates, flights and ground transport remained disrupted in parts of Jalisco, with shelter-in-place orders in effect in some municipalities and officials monitoring developments.
