Flights Diverted and Passenger Panic Near Puerto Vallarta After Death of 'El Mencho'
The killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, set off violent reactions from the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación that touched air travel in the region: passengers at several terminals panicked and some international flights bound for puerto vallarta were diverted. Authorities emphasize that airports continue operating under emergency protocols even as road and airport access disruptions produced cancellations and at least one local suspension.
Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara
Early on Sunday morning the Aeropuerto Internacional de Guadalajara experienced scenes of chaos among travelers after initial reports claimed sicarios had entered the terminal. Several users filmed passengers running and sheltering, and airport officials later characterized the disturbance as a collective psychosis: some travelers ran and others interpreted that movement as a direct threat, influenced by violent incidents on Jalisco streets and in other states. The Gabinete de Seguridad stated that airports in Jalisco are operating normally, that passengers are boarding flights as scheduled and that no relevant event is registered inside the installations; airport authorities reiterated that the Guadalajara terminal continues usual operations and is coordinating with federal agencies to protect travelers.
Aeropuerto Internacional de Manzanillo
Operations at the Aeropuerto Internacional de Manzanillo were directly affected by road incidents. The airport detailed that, because of a situation reported on the highway leading to the terminal, there were operational impacts and cancellations of flights scheduled for today; officials recommended passengers keep direct contact with their airlines for updates. The Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) confirmed that a reported road situation to the Manzanillo airport produced disruptions this day, and an internal notice indicated that activities at the Manzanillo facility were indeed suspended.
Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil and Diversions to Puerto Vallarta
The Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil (AFAC) said that events recorded this morning around the airports of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tepic prompted some international carriers bound for Puerto Vallarta to divert their flights under their internal protocols. AFAC stressed three operational points: airports continue to operate normally; there is interinstitutional coordination and collaboration with security agencies to guarantee safe operations and users; and the Centros de Operaciones en Emergencias (COE) at each airport are working established protocols. The agency also said it maintains constant communication with all authorities to inform about airport conditions and recommended travelers contact their airlines to learn of any itinerary adjustments, while reiterating that, up to the moment, no widespread cancellations or interruptions of scheduled flights have been reported.
Benito Juárez (AICM) and National Coordination
In the capital the Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (AICM) reported this afternoon that its facilities operate normally after the incidents recorded in various points of the country following the abatimiento of El Mencho. A notice to travelers began with a recommendation but was cut off in the material available here; the remainder is unclear in the provided context. National-level messaging has emphasized coordination among agencies as an operational priority.
Anita Anand Issues International Alert
International attention grew when the Canadian minister of foreign affairs, Anita Anand, issued an alert noting confrontations, road blockades and vehicles set afire in Jalisco — naming Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in particular. What makes this notable is that the warning underscored that unrest extended beyond isolated streets into transport corridors that feed major airports, prompting airlines and airport operators to activate diversions, cancellations and emergency centers.
Officials continue to balance assurances that terminals remain functional with tactical responses on roads and in adjacent areas; travelers are advised to keep direct contact with their carriers for real-time status. Derechos reservados © Tritón Comunicaciones S. A de C. V.
