Holidaymakers across southwest Mexico are being told to remain inside their hotels (Image: Getty)
Holidaymakers across southwest Mexico are being told to remain inside their hotels after the death of a powerful drug lord unleashed a surge of violent attacks.
Footage circulating online captures terrified passengers dropping to the floor at Guadalajara airport as gunfire rings out nearby.
Mexican forces, working alongside US operatives, shot dead Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes during a raid in Tapalpa. The target — better known by his alias « El Mencho » — controlled the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most ruthless criminal organisations.
His killing has ignited coordinated revenge attacks across Jalisco state.
UK government issues stay-indoors alert
The Foreign Office is warning: « Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
« Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas. »
The US Embassy in Mexico City urged American citizens throughout the state of Jalisco as well as some other parts of the country to « shelter in place until further notice ». The security alert warned of « ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity. »
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Flight chaos leaves thousands trapped
Aviation chaos has paralysed two major airports — Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast and Guadalajara, which will host matches during the 2026 World Cup, reports The Independent.
Thirty inbound flights from the United States, Mexico and Canada have either reversed course mid-air or been forced to land at alternative destinations. Further cancellations mean several thousand tourists attempting to depart Puerto Vallarta on Sunday now have no way to leave.
Puerto Vallarta airport posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying: « By decision of the airlines, today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been canceled.
« We urge passengers and users to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by airport personnel at all times. »
The statement added: « The situations reported in various parts of the state did not impact the airport’s internal operations or the safety within its facilities.
« The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities. »
Air Canada posted a message to passengers on X, saying: « Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting the airport, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue.
« Customers are advised not to attempt to go to the airport unless their flight is shown as operating on aircanada.com, and will be directly notified of changes to their itineraries. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available. »
Power vacuum could fuel further violence
Cartel experts have warned the leadership vacuum will likely prolong the bloodshed rather than end it.
Sandra Pellegrini, who tracks Latin American conflicts for monitoring group Acled, predicts internal warfare as rival factions battle for control.
Sandra Pellegrini said: « The killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes marks a significant operational development for Mexican forces, but the reported immediate highway blockades and arson attacks show how quickly cartels can mobilise retaliation to demonstrate continued control.
« Past cases suggest leadership removals rarely reduce violence long term, and instead often trigger instability as factions compete for power. »
Britain’s travel guidance already cautions against visiting large swathes of Mexico (Image: Getty)
The Foreign Office broadened its travel advisory late Sunday (Image: Getty)
Cancun remains unaffected — for now
British tourists on the Caribbean side of Mexico, particularly around Cancun, remain outside the danger zone. The Pacific coast violence is unfolding more than 1,000 miles to the west.
Cancun airport continues normal operations aside from suspended Guadalajara connections and some New York-area flights cancelled because of blizzard conditions hitting the northeastern United States. Tui services from Manchester and Birmingham, along with British Airways from Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, all departed Sunday as planned.
The Foreign Office broadened its travel advisory late Sunday, however.
But the Foreign Office updated its advice late on Sunday to warn: « Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice. »
Mexico’s entrenched drug war
Britain’s travel guidance already cautions against visiting large swathes of Mexico due to endemic cartel violence.
The FCDO already warns against travel to many parts of Mexico because of drug-related violence. The official advice says: « Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years. Do not become involved with drugs of any kind.
« Some areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to fighting between rival organised crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or of being mistaken for a gang member. »
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