Violent clashes erupted across parts of Mexico on Sunday after Mexican forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation in Jalisco state.
Cartel members responded with road blockades, arson attacks on vehicles and businesses, and clashes with security forces in at least a dozen states.
How Atlanta Travelers Can Safely Fly Home from Mexico After Violent Clashes Following El Mencho’s Death
While Mexican authorities say they are restoring order with thousands of additional troops deployed, the unrest has disrupted air travel—especially in popular tourist hubs like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara—leaving many American visitors, including those who flew from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Delta and other carriers, temporarily stranded.
Current U.S. Government Guidance for Americans in Mexico
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued updated security alerts urging U.S. citizens in affected areas to shelter in place and avoid unnecessary travel. U.S. government personnel are doing the same in:
- Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco)
- Tijuana and other parts of Baja California
- Parts of Michoacán, Chiapas, Nayarit, Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, and several other states
Good news for many travelers: The situation has returned to normal in Quintana Roo state (Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum), Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas. Flights and daily life there are operating as usual.
Flight Status and How to Get Out
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR): Significant disruptions due to flight-crew availability. Multiple U.S. carriers—including Delta (with direct flights from Atlanta), Southwest, American, United, and Air Canada—have canceled or suspended service through at least Tuesday. Some flights may resume as early as today or tomorrow.
- Guadalajara (GDL): Many cancellations, but some scheduled flights are still departing. Travelers whose flights are canceled are advised to rebook connections through unaffected Mexican cities such as Mexico City (MEX), Cancún (CUN), or Los Cabos (SJD).
- All other Mexican airports (including Cancún, Mexico City, Los Cabos, and Monterrey) are open and operating normally with no widespread security-related disruptions.2531
Practical Steps for Atlanta-Area Travelers
- Stay put and stay safe: Remain in your hotel or residence. Avoid roads, airports during peak unrest hours, and any areas with law enforcement activity.
- Check your flight immediately: Use your airline’s app or website (Delta, American, Southwest, United, etc.). Many carriers are offering flexible rebooking or refunds for affected routes.
- Rebook smartly: If your PVR or GDL flight is canceled, look for routings via Mexico City or Cancún—plenty of seats are still available on those routes. Ground transport between cities is not recommended right now due to blockades.
- Contact help lines:
- U.S. Department of State 24/7 crisis hotline: 1-888-407-4747 (from U.S./Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from Mexico)
- U.S. Embassy in Mexico City: (55) 2579-2000
- Enroll in STEP: If you haven’t already, register your trip at travel.state.gov so the Embassy can reach you with updates.
- Monitor official sources:
- U.S. Embassy Mexico security alerts: mx.usembassy.gov
- @TravelGov on X and Facebook
- Mexican road status: @CAPUFE on X
Delta Air Lines, Atlanta’s hometown carrier, has canceled several Puerto Vallarta flights from ATL but continues normal operations to Cancún and other unaffected destinations. Travelers booked on Delta should check the Fly Delta app for real-time rebooking options and waiver information.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that “peace, security and normalcy” are being restored, and authorities expect most flight disruptions to ease within 24–48 hours.
For Atlantans planning future trips: The State Department maintains a Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” advisory for most of Mexico, with higher warnings for certain states. Check travel.state.gov before booking.
Atlanta News will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as flights resume and the security picture evolves. Stay safe, and safe travels home.
If you are currently in Mexico and need assistance, call the State Department hotline listed above.
