The Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for parts of Mexico following a surge in violence after the killing of a major drug cartel leader. Travellers in the southwestern state of Jalisco have been advised to stay indoors, with reports of roadblocks and attacks on Guadalajara airport.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho' and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a joint Mexican-US military operation in Tapalpa. In response, violent reprisals have erupted across the state, including in the popular tourist destinations of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
The Foreign Office stated: 'Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco... following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime... Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked.' It urged travellers to exercise extreme caution and follow local advice.
Many flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara have been cancelled or diverted, leaving thousands of tourists stranded. Puerto Vallarta airport confirmed the suspension of all international operations and most domestic flights on Sunday. Air Canada also temporarily suspended services, advising passengers not to travel to the airport unless their flight was confirmed operating.
The US Embassy in Mexico City urged American citizens in Jalisco to 'shelter in place', citing ongoing security operations and criminal activity. However, the Foreign Office noted that the violence is concentrated in Jalisco, approximately 1,000 miles from the main British holiday resorts on the Caribbean coast, such as Cancun, where flights are operating normally.
Sandra Pellegrini, a Latin America expert at conflict monitoring group Acled, warned that leadership removals often trigger further instability as factions compete for power. The Foreign Office updated its advice on Monday, warning of roadblocks across affected states and advising travellers to monitor local media and follow authorities' guidance.
