Urgent travel advice for Puerto Vallarta: airport closed, warning of American problems

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A serious and rapidly developing security crisis in the Mexican state of Jalisco has led to immediate shelter-in-place orders for all American and Canadian tourists in Puerto Vallarta.

Retaliatory violence has erupted in several states following a federal military operation in the region on Sunday. If you are currently in Puerto Vallarta, or if you are flying into the region in the next 48 hours, your travel logistics will be immediately affected.

Here you will find the verified information about the airport closure, the blockages and the strict protocols you need to follow now.

US Embassy issues travel warning

The US Embassy in Mexico issued the following immediate warning:

The immediate threat: “Red Code” activated

This violence was caused by a federal military operation in the city of Tapalpa (southeast of Puerto Vallarta), targeting and resulting in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

BREAKING 🚨🚨#PuertoVallarta / #Mexico

The Puerto Vallarta Costco seems to be completely engulfed in flames right now. pic.twitter.com/artUZV6oay

— OC scanner 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 (@OC_Scanner) February 22, 2026

In retaliation, members of organized crime have orchestrated a massive campaign of disruption designed to delay 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 to at least five states, hitting Jalisco hard and sending visible clouds of smoke over Puerto Vallarta.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro has activated a “Red Code” for the entire state. Both the U.S. Department of State and Global Affairs Canada have issued extreme travel advisories, demanding that all citizens immediately shelter in place.

Airport and Flight Impact (PVR)

Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) has been forced to temporarily close its operations. Airspace and ground logistics have been seriously affected.

If you have a flight scheduled for today, it is cancelled. Major North American airlines have completely halted operations in and out of Puerto Vallarta. Confirmed cancellations include:

• US carriers: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest and Alaska Airlines.
• Canadian carriers: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter and Flair Airlines.

🔥 As a war game… it’s the rioting of the Costco in Puerto Vallarta.

Between people, people and people visible in the zone, alarms are generated among residents and motorists, and halfway violent registrations in the region. pic.twitter.com/UQvnUG1jyo

— Luis David García (@ldgarcia_mkt) February 22, 2026

Additionally, public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services (such as Uber) have been completely suspended across the city.

Usable protocol for travelers

If you are currently on the ground in Puerto Vallarta or are expecting to arrive, you will need to abandon your current route and strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

🇲🇽‼️ | URGENT – Jalisco lives amid tensions due to a federally operating company that will leave “El Mencho”, under the CJNG, which removes blocks, vehicles and attacks in several states. An attack is reported in the criminal case of Ixtapa, in Puerto Vallarta, in the middle of… pic.twitter.com/XdRWa6qFpY

— UHN Plus (@UHN_Plus) February 22, 2026

1. Provide immediate shelter Don’t leave your resort, hotel or Airbnb. The violence is fluid and the fire blocks are unpredictable. The safest place for you is within your current accommodation.

2. Try not to travel to the airport With the airport closed and local transportation suspended, attempting to reach PVR will leave you stranded on highways that are actively being targeted by criminal groups due to blockages.

3. Manage rebooking digitally Don’t rely on the customer service desks at the airport. Please contact your airline directly via their official app, website or customer service hotlines to manage your rebooking. Expect huge call volumes and, if available, take advantage of the airline’s digital chat features.

The situation remains very volatile. Stay out of harm’s way, stay within your resort and monitor direct communications from your airline as to when operations may resume.