Cancun Airport and Mexico Travel Update: What's Happening Right Now — February 24, 2026
Mexico is navigating one of its most turbulent weeks in years after the military killing of the country's most powerful cartel boss ignited a nationwide wave of violence. Here is everything travelers need to know about what's happening in Mexico, the Cancun airport situation, and whether Cancun is safe right now.
El Mencho Killed: The Event That Started It All
On Sunday, February 22, 2026 (ET), Mexican army forces — with confirmed U.S. intelligence support — killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). One of the most wanted criminals in both the U.S. and Mexico, El Mencho had a $15 million U.S. reward on his head. He and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area, were seriously wounded in a firefight, taken into custody, and died before reaching Mexico City. The killing immediately triggered coordinated cartel retaliation across the country — what one security analyst called a historic "terrorist attack" in scale and coordination.
Mexico Violence by the Numbers
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total deaths (operation + aftermath) | 70+ |
| National Guard soldiers killed | 25 (in 6 separate attacks in Jalisco) |
| Cartel suspects killed | 30+ (Jalisco and Michoacán) |
| Roadblocks erected nationwide | 250+ across 20 states |
| States affected | 20+ including Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Baja California |
| Cancun Intl Airport (CUN) — Feb 23 | 40 delays, 23 cancellations |
| Puerto Vallarta / Guadalajara airports | Most flights cancelled; ride-shares suspended |
Cancun Airport Status: Open But Still Recovering
Cancun International Airport recorded 40 delayed flights and 23 cancellations during the peak of the disruption on February 23, 2026 (ET), leaving hundreds of tourists stranded inside terminals. The chaos was not caused by a local security incident in Cancun but by ripple effects — airline crew logistics became complicated as roadblocks in other states disrupted aircraft positioning and routing across Mexico. Cancun International Airport was never closed and remains operational as of February 24, 2026 (ET). Airlines have been offering change-fee waivers and rebooking flexibility to affected passengers. Travelers are strongly advised to verify their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport and to allow extra time for check-in and security processing.
Is Cancun Safe Right Now? U.S. Embassy Says Yes
The U.S. Embassy confirmed in its Security Alert Update 4, issued February 23, 2026 (ET), that the situation has returned to normal in Quintana Roo state — including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The shelter-in-place order for the Cancun area lasted less than 24 hours and has been fully lifted. Quintana Roo stabilized faster than harder-hit states because the cartel violence was concentrated in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and surrounding regions — not the Caribbean coast.
The State Department's standing travel advisory for Quintana Roo remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution — a designation that predates this week's events and applies broadly across Mexico's tourist regions.
Where the Danger Still Is: Avoid These Areas
| Still Under Active Alert | Status |
|---|---|
| Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco) | Shelter-in-place, most flights still disrupted |
| Guadalajara (Jalisco) | Shelter-in-place, U.S. staff working remotely |
| Tijuana (Baja California) | Shelter-in-place ongoing |
| Chiapas | Shelter-in-place ongoing |
| Michoacán | Active clashes reported |
| Mazatlán (Sinaloa) | Travel restrictions through Feb 25 |
What Travelers in Cancun Should Do Right Now
- Stay within the Hotel Zone and resort corridors — these remain the safest areas
- Do not travel to Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, or Tamaulipas
- Confirm your specific flight is operating before going to Cancun International Airport
- Contact your airline directly for waivers, rebooking, or standby options
- Register with the U.S. State Department's STEP program at Travel.State.gov
- Keep emergency contacts informed of your location and travel plans
- U.S. Embassy Mexico emergency line (from within Mexico): (55) 8526-2561
- U.S. toll-free: +1-844-528-6611
Cancun is cleared and open — but Mexico's broader security situation remains fluid. Travelers should monitor the U.S. Embassy in Mexico for any new alerts before and during their trip.
