Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, remain disrupted as the region grapples with widespread violence following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The Mexican army confirmed El Mencho’s death on Sunday, February 22, 2026, triggering a wave of retaliatory attacks by cartel members across multiple states, including Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is located.
Kansas City-area travelers are among those stranded in Puerto Vallarta, with airlines canceling flights and authorities issuing shelter-in-place orders. Mark Henry, a traveler currently in Puerto Vallarta, described the scene from his condo: “My view right now shows a bus that’s been burned on the Pan American Highway.” He reported that, even as the situation appeared to be calming, residents were initially advised to remain indoors.
The violence includes widespread arson and road blockades. According to reports from Malachy and Kevin Connor, Kansas City natives visiting the area, cartel members have been forcibly removing people from their vehicles and setting the cars ablaze. “The gate where we are staying in the city we’re staying is locked shut. And the roads are completely closed because cartel were making people get out of their cars, setting the cars on fire,” Malachy Connor said. The brothers, who were on a day trip when the violence erupted, are now facing a week-long delay in their return home.
Eugene Marchenko, a tourist from Charleston, South Carolina, witnessed six cars and a fuel tanker set on fire near his Airbnb. He described seeing individuals believed to be cartel members forcing drivers from their vehicles before igniting the cars, as reported by Fox News Digital.
Acendas Travel President Richard Aquino stated his agency proactively contacted clients in the affected areas upon learning of the situation. “Right now we’re saying exactly what the State Department is saying — just stay where you are. Don’t go off site of the resort or the hotel and stay safe,” Aquino said. He noted that some clients have had flights canceled and are being rebooked as capacity becomes available, with one traveler now scheduled to return home on Thursday. Aquino similarly advised travelers with upcoming trips to consider postponing or changing destinations, while those with bookings six months or more out should monitor the situation.
While acknowledging the risks, Aquino emphasized that resort hotels generally offer a secure environment due to gated access and increased security measures. He also stressed the importance of purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen disruptions. “Make sure you use a travel advisor. Make sure you buy travel insurance because things like this that come out of the ordinary, you really can be protected,” Aquino said.
Authorities have reported that cartel members have blocked roads at over 250 locations across up to 20 Mexican states. Despite the widespread disruption, Henry observed a return to normalcy in parts of Puerto Vallarta, noting increased traffic on Highway 200 and people venturing out. However, the situation remains fluid, and travelers continue to await updates on flight availability and the overall security situation.
