Brits warned as Mexico cartel violence paralyses World Cup airports | World | News
Holidaymakers in southwestern Mexico have been told to stay in their hotels after the death of a powerful drug lord sparked violent attacks.
Footage circulating online showed terrified passengers falling to the ground at Guadalajara airport as gunshots rang out nearby.
Working with U.S. agents, Mexican forces shot and killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes during a raid in Tapalpa. The target, better known by the pseudonym “El Mencho,” controlled the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most brutal criminal organizations.
His killing sparked coordinated revenge attacks in the state of Jalisco.
UK government issues stay-at-home warning
The State Department warns: “Serious security incidents were reported in the state of Jalisco, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, on February 22, following an operation by federal law enforcement against organized crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public warning about staying indoors. Roads to airports may be closed. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow recommendations from local authorities, including stay-in orders, and avoid nonessential travel in affected areas.”
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City urged American citizens in the state of Jalisco and some other parts of the country to “shelter in place until further notice.” The security alert warned of “ongoing security operations and associated road closures and criminal activity.”
Flight chaos leaves thousands stranded
Aviation chaos paralyzed two major airports: Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast and Guadalajara, which will host the 2026 World Cup matches, The Independent reported.
30 flights from the United States, Mexico and Canada either reversed route mid-air or were forced to land at alternative destinations. More cancellations mean thousands of tourists trying to leave Puerto Vallarta on Sunday no longer have the opportunity to leave.
Puerto Vallarta Airport posted a statement on
“We urge passengers and users to remain calm and comply with all instructions given by airport staff at all times.”
The statement noted: “The incidents reported in various parts of the state did not affect the airport’s internal operations or security at its facilities.
“The airport is under the protection of National Guard (GN) and Department of National Defense (Sedena) personnel as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.”
Air Canada issued a message to passengers on X: “Due to the ongoing security situation affecting the airport in Puerto Vallarta, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and are in contact with local authorities working to resolve the issue.”
“Customers are advised not to attempt to travel to the airport unless their flight is shown to be operating on aircanada.com and will be notified directly of any changes to their travel itinerary. We will share further information as soon as it becomes available.”
Power vacuum could further fuel violence
Cartel experts warned that the leadership vacuum would likely prolong the bloodshed rather than stop it.
Sandra Pellegrini, who tracks conflicts in Latin America for the monitoring group Acled, predicts civil war in which rival factions will fight for control.
Sandra Pellegrini said: “The killing of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes marks a significant operational development for Mexican forces, but reported emergency highway blockades and arson attacks demonstrate how quickly cartels can mobilize retaliation to demonstrate continued control.
“Past cases show that removing leaders rarely reduces violence in the long term and instead often triggers instability as factions compete for power.”
Cancun is not affected for now
British tourists on Mexico’s Caribbean side, particularly around Cancun, remain out of the danger zone. Violence along the Pacific coast is spreading more than 1,000 miles westward.
Cancun airport continues normal operations, except for suspended connections to Guadalajara and flights to the New York area canceled due to the snowstorm that hit the northeastern United States. Tui services from Manchester and Birmingham, as well as British Airways from Gatwick and Virgin Atlantic from Heathrow, all departed as planned on Sunday.
But the State Department expanded its travel advisory late Sunday.
But the State Department updated its advice late Sunday, warning: “Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation evolves, wherever you are in Mexico, you should remain vigilant and follow local security recommendations.”
Mexico’s deep-rooted drug war
Britain’s travel guide warns against visiting large areas of Mexico due to widespread cartel violence.
The FCDO currently warns against travel to many parts of Mexico due to drug-related violence. Official advice says: “Drug-related violence has increased in Mexico in recent years. Do not get involved in drugs of any kind.
“Some areas of Mexico have a high crime rate due to conflicts between rival organized crime gangs. In these areas, there is a risk of being caught in the crossfire or mistaken for a gang member.”
