A severe and rapidly developing security crisis in the Mexican state of Jalisco has triggered immediate shelter-in-place orders for all American and Canadian tourists in Puerto Vallarta.
Following a federal military operation in the region on Sunday, retaliatory violence has erupted across multiple states. If you are currently in Puerto Vallarta, or scheduled to fly into the region in the next 48 hours, your travel logistics are immediately impacted.
Here is the verified, boots-on-the-ground intelligence regarding the airport closure, the blockades, and the strict protocols you must follow right now.
US Embassy Issues Travel Alert
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued the following immediate alert:
The Immediate Threat: “Red Code” Activated
This violence was triggered by a federal military operation in the town of Tapalpa (southeast of Puerto Vallarta) targeting and resulting in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
BREAKING 🚨🚨#PuertoVallarta / #Mexico
The Puerto Vallarta Costco appears to be fully engulfed in flames at this time. pic.twitter.com/artUZV6oay
— OC Scanner 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 (@OC_Scanner) February 22, 2026
In retaliation, organized crime members have orchestrated a massive disruption campaign designed to slow down federal authorities. This involves setting commercial vehicles, buses, and cars on fire to create impenetrable roadblocks across major highways. The violence and blockades have spread across at least five states, heavily impacting Jalisco and creating visible smoke clouds over Puerto Vallarta.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro has activated a state-wide “Red Code.” Both the U.S. State Department and Global Affairs Canada have issued extreme travel advisories, mandating that all citizens shelter in place immediately.
Airport & Flight Impact (PVR)
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) has been forced to temporarily close its operations. The airspace and ground logistics are severely compromised.
If you have a flight scheduled for today, it is canceled. Major North American carriers have completely halted operations in and out of Puerto Vallarta. Confirmed cancellations include:
- U.S. Carriers: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines.
- Canadian Carriers: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Flair Airlines.
🔥 Como película de guerra… así se ve el incendio del Costco de Puerto Vallarta.
Entre humo, fuego y daños visibles en la zona, el siniestro ha generado alarma entre habitantes y autoridades, en medio de los hechos violentos recientes registrados en la región. pic.twitter.com/UQvnUG1jyo
— Luis David García (@ldgarcia_mkt) February 22, 2026
Furthermore, public transportation, taxis, and rideshare services (like Uber) have been completely suspended throughout the city.
Actionable Protocol For Travelers
If you are currently on the ground in Puerto Vallarta or scheduled to arrive, you must abandon your current itinerary and adhere strictly to the following directives:
🇲🇽‼️ | URGENTE — Jalisco vive horas de tensión tras un operativo federal en el que fue abatido “El Mencho”, líder del CJNG, desatando bloqueos, quema de vehículos y ataques en varios estados. También se reportó una agresión en el penal de Ixtapa, en Puerto Vallarta, en medio de… pic.twitter.com/XdRWa6qFpY
— UHN Plus (@UHN_Plus) February 22, 2026
1. Shelter In Place Immediately Do not leave your resort, hotel, or Airbnb. The violence is fluid, and the fire blockades are unpredictable. The safest place for you is inside your current accommodation.
2. Do Not Attempt To Travel To The Airport With the airport closed and local transit suspended, attempting to reach PVR will leave you stranded on highways that are actively being targeted by criminal groups for blockades.
3. Manage Rebooking Digitally Do not rely on the airport customer service desks. Contact your airline directly via their official app, website, or customer service hotlines to manage your rebooking. Expect massive call volumes and utilize the airline’s digital chat functions if available.
The situation remains highly volatile. Stay off the roads, remain inside your resort, and monitor direct communications from your airline for the moment operations are cleared to resume.
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