Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?

Major airlines canceled flights and issued travel alerts on Monday for areas across Mexico following a surge of violence in the country after a powerful cartel leader was killed over the weekend.

Following the unrest, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a security alert on Sunday for several states, including Jalisco, which includes the popular destinations of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice,” the embassy warned, adding travelers should avoid areas with law enforcement activity, be aware of their surroundings, avoid crowds, and minimize unnecessary movements.

It comes after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes in Jalisco on Sunday, the Associated Press reported, along with a surge of violence, including burned cars and vandalized businesses.

In response, major airlines canceled flights and issued flight waivers for the country.

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines told Travel + Leisure the carrier would suspend all operations at Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) on Monday “given the uncertainty on the ground.” The airline issued a flight wavier for travelers with planned flights to the area.

Both Delta Air Lines and American Airlines similarly canceled flights on Monday, CNBC reported, with each issuing traveling waivers.

For its part, United Airlines on Monday had resumed flying to both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, the carrier confirmed to T+L, but issued its own flight waiver for travelers who needed to change planned flights.

Outside of Puerto Vallarta, airlines were carefully monitoring flight operations on a case-by-case basis. Virgin Atlantic, for example, operates flights three times each week during the winter from London to Cancun.

“The safety and security of our customers and our people is always our top priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation in Mexico alongside relevant authorities,” a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson told T+L. “Our flights and holidays to Cancun continue to operate as planned.”

Overall, the United States Department of State classifies Mexico under its second-lowest Level 2 travel advisory, recommending American travelers “exercise increased caution” when there. However, there are several states under the higher Level 4 warning. Jalisco is currently classified under a Level 3 advisory.

Before traveling to Mexico, Americans can sign up for the State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows officials to more easily locate and contact them in an emergency.