Cancun travel disruption: is cancun safe to depart or visit amid U.S. Embassy travel alert
On February 23, 2026, dozens of flights at Cancun International Airport were delayed or canceled, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded during the weeks leading up to Spring Break 2026. The disruptions and a U. S. Embassy security alert have intensified concerns for anyone planning to travel to cancun and nearby Quintana Roo destinations.
Security and operations at Cancun International Airport
Airport officials confirmed that Cancun International Airport (CUN) remains operational with no reported closures even as dozens of flights were delayed or canceled on February 23, 2026. Hundreds of passengers were left scrambling amid a reinforced security presence at the terminal, and airlines were working to stabilize schedules as ripple effects continued throughout the day.
U. S. Embassy alert and shelter-in-place guidance for Quintana Roo
The U. S. Embassy in Mexico issued an updated security alert on February 22, 2026, urging American citizens in Cancun and other parts of Quintana Roo — including Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum — to shelter in place until further notice. The notice cited ongoing security operations, road blockages and heightened criminal activity as the primary concerns, and the embassy emphasized that while no airports have been closed nationwide, travelers should monitor local media, check road conditions and keep family informed of their whereabouts.
Road blockages, criminal activity and knock-on airline effects
Officials linked the chaos at CUN to broader regional instability: road blockages and criminal activity across multiple Mexican states have complicated crew movements and logistics and indirectly affected airline operations. The most severe flight cancellations hit Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, where roadblocks led to the suspension of most services, but Cancun was also affected by those wider disruptions.
Delays and cancellations across Cancún and Mexico City airports
Operations continued at Cancún International Airport even as widespread delays and cancellations left hundreds stranded and forced many to rearrange plans. Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City was also affected, amplifying travel chaos across two of the country’s busiest hubs. A combined total of 62 delays and 29 cancellations were recorded across the two airports: Cancún saw 40 delayed flights and 23 cancellations, while Mexico City recorded 22 delays and six cancellations.
Multiple carriers were impacted. Aeroméxico experienced three cancellations and 10 delays; American Airlines recorded one cancellation and two delays; Volaris logged six delays; and Avianca and Delta Air Lines also had delays. Passengers at both airports reported long queues, extended waits and confusion as airlines worked to reorganize schedules during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Cancún welcomed more than 29 million visitors last year and serves as a major gateway connecting North America and Europe to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
Aviation authorities cited contributing factors including surging passenger volumes, operational pressures on airlines, crew availability and weather-related disruptions. Travelers were advised to check flight status through official airport portals or airline apps before departing; Mexican passenger rights regulations generally entitle travelers to rebooking or refunds for canceled flights, and passengers were encouraged to speak directly with airline representatives. While the airports remain open, ongoing disruptions mean travelers should expect delays and allow extra time as operations stabilize.
Mosquito-borne illness risks and health advisories for travelers to Quintana Roo
In addition to security concerns, travelers to Cancun and surrounding areas in Quintana Roo were warned about ongoing risks from mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue, chikungunya and Zika, all transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue remains endemic in Mexico: in 2025 Mexico reported approximately 141, 421 total cases and 85 deaths nationwide, with Quintana Roo and neighboring states such as Veracruz and Sonora accounting for a notable share of cases.
As of early 2026 through epidemiological week 4, Mexico had seen low dengue activity, with 185 confirmed cases and 1, 972 probable cases reported in the first two weeks — an 83% decrease compared with the same period in 2025, though experts warned of potential seasonal increases as the year progresses. Chikungunya transmission has been sporadic and low; in 2025 only four confirmed infections were documented nationwide, primarily in southern states like Quintana Roo, Chiapas and Yucatan. The Pan American Health Organization noted that Zika virus activity has declined sharply since the 2015–2016 epidemic: in 2025 there were four confirmed Zika cases nationwide, down from 30 in 2024, and PAHO highlighted that Zika poses particular risks to pregnant women due to potential birth defects. The U. S. CDC and PAHO emphasize mosquito bite prevention.
