Unrest in Puerto Vallarta - airport shut down?
#1
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Unrest in Puerto Vallarta - airport shut down?
I am seeing a few news reports and also many social media posts from people who are in PV right now (Sunday Feb 22) that there is widespread unrest in PV and nearby areas because a cartel boss was arrested yesterday. Cars (many are taxis) are being set on fire, roads blocked, buildings on fire, a curfew is in effect, and now the airport is shut down. Incoming flights are apparently being diverted to Cabo or are returning to closer airports in the US midflight. Anyone have more info?
We are supposed to be flying down in six days for a two-week vacation in PV.
We are supposed to be flying down in six days for a two-week vacation in PV.
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,176
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Lots of posts about this over on Trip Advisor. There it said the airport is not entirely shut down but significantly impacted. Also because people in PV now can't get to the airport because of the disruption on the roadways.
This is something unfortunate and brand new to PV so no idea how or who can predict if it is a one day thing or will go on long enough to affect your upcoming trip.
suze
This is something unfortunate and brand new to PV so no idea how or who can predict if it is a one day thing or will go on long enough to affect your upcoming trip.
suze
#3

Joined: Feb 2005
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I am reading all flights from Canada are diverted. Have read some flights leaving, none arriving. Even if airport is open, you can't get there because roads are blocked. Sounds like a scary mess. I am scheduled to go in a couple of weeks-
#4

Joined: Jan 2012
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Message from friends in Oaxaca which isn’t on the list, from USA Today:
The U.S. State Department issued a security warning on Feb. 22 advising Americans in Mexico to “shelter in place” until further notice, after the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed by the Mexican army.
“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 state department said in its security alert.
The areas listed by the state department include Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...o/88814503007/
The U.S. State Department issued a security warning on Feb. 22 advising Americans in Mexico to “shelter in place” until further notice, after the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed by the Mexican army.
“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 state department said in its security alert.
The areas listed by the state department include Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...o/88814503007/
#5

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#8
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#9

Joined: Feb 2005
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I plan to leave Mar 4. E-mailed with a friend who is there and encouraging me not to cancel. Things much calmer today. Daughter of a friend of mine owns a restaurant there- No Se Nada- She went to market by herself to get things for the restaurant without problems and is open. I am feeling optimistic.
#10

Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,836
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Here's a shared NYT article, is it safe to visit Mexico:
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/t...smid=url-share
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/t...smid=url-share
#11
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,176
Likes: 12
Hopefully this link comes thru OK. It's a live webcam on B. Badillo, a main street in old town/zona romantica... today.
https://www.ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=66a7fb01a47a4&autoplay=1
Things seem crazy quick back to normal, as they do there. My 'worry' would not be about personal safety but rather if flights are going in and out on schedule.
buena surete/good luck!
https://www.ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=66a7fb01a47a4&autoplay=1
Things seem crazy quick back to normal, as they do there. My 'worry' would not be about personal safety but rather if flights are going in and out on schedule.
buena surete/good luck!
#13
Original Poster

Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,114
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Hopefully this link comes thru OK. It's a live webcam on B. Badillo, a main street in old town/zona romantica... today.
https://www.ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=66a7fb01a47a4&autoplay=1
Things seem crazy quick back to normal, as they do there. My 'worry' would not be about personal safety but rather if flights are going in and out on schedule.
buena surete/good luck!
https://www.ipcamlive.com/player/player.php?alias=66a7fb01a47a4&autoplay=1
Things seem crazy quick back to normal, as they do there. My 'worry' would not be about personal safety but rather if flights are going in and out on schedule.
buena surete/good luck!
#16
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,114
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#18

Joined: Feb 2005
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yes am reading that too- except for airport which is crazy. Many Canadians still trying to get home with no help from airline- Westjet. One lady said she booked air through 3rd party booking agency and now neither airline or booking agency will take responsibility. Hours wait to talk to anyone at Westjet. I always book direct with airline.
#19
Original Poster

Joined: Jun 2007
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yes am reading that too- except for airport which is crazy. Many Canadians still trying to get home with no help from airline- Westjet. One lady said she booked air through 3rd party booking agency and now neither airline or booking agency will take responsibility. Hours wait to talk to anyone at Westjet. I always book direct with airline.
Last edited by scdreamer; Feb 25th, 2026 at 12:21 PM.
#20
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,176
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I understand and agree. When airports have to cancel (for whatever reason) it takes time to catch up. I've been twice stuck in PV for a day or two extra, once was because of a huge snowstorm in Seattle so they couldn't get the Alaska planes that go back and forth out from Seattle. The other time was a mechanical difficulty, where we were already in the air but returned to PVR because of no cabin pressure!
Good reminder not to book thru 3rd parties (something I never do).
Good reminder not to book thru 3rd parties (something I never do).

