Canadians sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta after violent clashes between government, drug cartel

A government operation against a Mexican drug cartel has led to an outbreak of violence in Jalisco state,  including the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, with cars being burned and roads being blocked in various places in the area.

Global Affairs Canada has upgraded its safety and security advisory for the region, telling Canadians who are there to follow the locally issued ‘shelter in place’ order that’s now in effect in Puerto Vallarta.

It states in its advisory that criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta; adding that there have been shootouts with security forces and explosions.

It also tells Canadians who are currently in Jalisco the following:

• Keep a low profile
• Monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation
• Follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place

For more from Global Affairs, go to https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/mexico

Major Canadian airlines have cancelled their flights to Puerto Vallarta, with Air Canada posting the following on X:

“Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting the @VallartaAirport, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue.”

And Vancouver International Airports said in a statement that it “is aware of a security situation within Puerto Vallarta that is impacting operations at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Flights scheduled to operate between YVR and Puerto Vallarta today have been cancelled as a result. Our guest experience team is in the terminal assisting affected passengers.

Passengers scheduled to fly to Puerto Vallarta today are advised to check with their airline and at www.yvr.ca before coming to the airport. We will provide further updates as they become available.