CANCÚN / MEXICO CITY — While Cancún International (CUN) and Benito Juárez (MEX) remain operational, they are struggling under the weight of a national aviation backlog. The violence in Jalisco has grounded crews and aircraft in the west, causing a domino effect of delays for international tourists and domestic travelers.
1. The Impact on Major Hubs
- Cancún International (CUN): The hardest hit outside the conflict zone, reporting 40 delays and 23 cancellations. As a primary gateway for North American and European travelers, even small delays here are causing missed connections worldwide.
- Mexico City (MEX): The capital reported 22 delays and six cancellations. The airport is seeing increased security as federal authorities remain on high alert following El Mencho’s death during an airlift to the city.
2. The “Red Zone” Airports: PVR and GDL
The situation is significantly more dire in the western states, where the US and Canada have issued shelter-in-place orders:
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR): Operations were suspended after reports of gunfire and burning vehicles on access roads. Footage showed passengers seeking cover behind luggage carousels and airline desks.
- Guadalajara (GDL): Commercial traffic is grounded. The National Guard has secured the terminal after reports of armed men attempting to enter the facility.
3. Airline Responses & Passenger Rights
Major carriers have issued urgent travel waivers to help move passengers out of the “Red Zones” once it is safe to do so:
- Delta, United, and American Airlines: Have issued waivers for flights through February 24-25, allowing rebooking without fees.
- Air Canada & WestJet: Have canceled dozens of flights to PVR and GDL, advising customers not to go to the airport until specifically instructed.
- Aeroméxico & Volaris: These domestic giants are facing the highest number of internal delays as they attempt to reroute aircraft away from the conflict zones.
Traveler Advisory Checklist
- [ ] Verify Status: Check your airline’s mobile app before leaving for the airport.
- [ ] Stay Put: If you are in Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta/Guadalajara), stay in your resort or home. Embassies warn that roads to the airports are currently blocked by burning vehicles.
- [ ] Data Connection: Ensure you have a roaming data plan; do not rely solely on hotel Wi-Fi to receive emergency embassy alerts.