Cancún Airport Remains Operational Amid Mexico's Cartel Violence
Cancún Airport Status Amid Violence
On Sunday, Cancún International Airport continued its operations despite a surge of violence in Mexico triggered by the death of a notorious cartel leader. The unrest followed the military's elimination of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho,' who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on February 22. This cartel is infamous for its brutality and has been associated with violent retaliations across various western states, including Jalisco and Nayarit.
Fortunately, the violence has remained concentrated away from Quintana Roo, where Cancún is situated. Officials confirmed that the airport, a major hub for international travelers, remained open with enhanced security protocols in place. Reports indicated that operations continued smoothly on Sunday, despite the surrounding turmoil.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security warning for American citizens in several regions, including Quintana Roo, advising them to stay indoors due to ongoing security operations and related disruptions. They reassured that 'no airports have been closed nationwide,' including Cancún.
In contrast, other areas like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta faced significant disruptions, with many flights canceled due to roadblocks and unrest. In Cancún, while there were some delays and cancellations—approximately 40 delays and 23 cancellations—most flights continued to operate without direct threats to the airport.
Travel advisories from the U.S. State Department and other foreign governments highlighted the violence but noted its regional nature. Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency confirmed that airports across the nation remained operational, although some international flights were rerouted to Puerto Vallarta for safety reasons. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, anticipating a gradual return to normalcy at the most affected airports.
For travelers planning to use Cancún Airport, it is recommended to check with airlines for the latest updates and stay informed through official channels as the situation develops.