Travel alert issued following killing of cartel leader in Mexico

Several airlines suspended flights and issued travel waivers after violent clashes broke out in western Mexico, following a military operation that killed one of the country's most powerful drug cartel leaders.

The incident triggered widespread disruption and raised security concerns for both residents and travellers, according to reports by Gulf News, Visalia Times Delta and USA Today.

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, while Delta Air Lines offered waivers for passengers traveling to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Air Canada also suspended operations at Puerto Vallarta airport, citing an "ongoing security situation."

Mexican authorities announced on Sunday, February 22, that drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," was killed during a military operation. This marks a significant development in Mexico's ongoing battle against drug cartels, which has drawn attention amid threats of US intervention.

The US State Department urged American citizens in several Mexican states to stay indoors as violence and roadblocks escalated. According to an updated security alert from the US Embassy in Mexico, government staff in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Ciudad Guzmán have been instructed to shelter in place and work remotely starting February 23. The advisory also recommended that US citizens in those areas limit their movement until local authorities confirm that conditions are safe.

Authorities reported that the unrest extended beyond a single area, with roadblocks affecting highways, airport access routes, and transportation links in multiple states. The killing of the cartel leader has raised fears of revenge attacks, increasing concerns about safety for residents, travellers, and cross-border operations.

Despite the chaos, the Mexican government stated that "the situation has returned to normal" in most affected areas. By February 25, several airlines had resumed operations in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Travellers planning to visit the region are advised to stay updated through official alerts, check with airlines for flight status, and remain cautious until authorities confirm full stability.