Phoenix Sky Harbor Cancels Mexico Flights as Security Operations Trigger Shelter-in-Place Alerts in Tourist Areas
Flight disruptions from Phoenix as unrest affects access to Mexican destinations
Several flights from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Mexico were canceled on Sunday, February 22, amid security operations and unrest in parts of Mexico that prompted official shelter-in-place guidance for U.S. citizens in multiple locations.
Sky Harbor’s flight status information showed cancellations affecting scheduled service to Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, and to Mazatlán, in the state of Sinaloa. The cancellations followed reports of transportation disruptions and heightened security conditions in western Mexico, particularly in and around Puerto Vallarta, a major resort destination on the Pacific coast.
What triggered the security alerts and travel interruptions
Mexican security forces carried out an operation on February 22 that resulted in the reported killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” widely identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Following the operation, incidents were reported in multiple states, including road blockages and vehicles set on fire, affecting mobility and access to key infrastructure.
U.S. security messaging issued the same day advised U.S. citizens in specific areas to shelter in place “until further notice,” citing ongoing security operations, road blockages and related criminal activity. Locations referenced in official messaging included Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, as well as other areas such as Cancun and additional regions.
Airlines suspend or adjust Mexico operations
Airlines began adjusting service as conditions changed on the ground. Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta due to an ongoing security situation. Separately, U.S. carriers also reported disruptions to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara operations, reflecting wider impacts on cross-border travel demand and airport accessibility.
Conditions affecting surface transportation in Puerto Vallarta also compounded air-travel disruption. Reports indicated that taxi and rideshare services were suspended in the area during the period of heightened security, complicating passenger movement to and from the airport even when flights were scheduled.
Guidance for travelers and local response in Arizona
Arizona elected officials addressed concerns about residents traveling in the affected areas. U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Phoenix) publicly encouraged Arizonans needing assistance in Mexico to contact his office.
- Travelers with upcoming itineraries were advised by airlines to verify flight status before departing for the airport.
- Passengers connecting through impacted Mexican airports faced the possibility of delays, diversions, or last-minute cancellations.
- Travel plans dependent on local ground transportation in resort zones could be disrupted during periods of restricted movement.
Sky Harbor flight status pages reflected cancellations to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán on February 22 as security operations disrupted travel conditions in parts of Mexico.
As of early Monday, February 23, the timeline for normalization of flight operations remained uncertain, with carriers continuing to update schedules based on security conditions and airport access in affected regions.