Violence in Mexico prompts flight cancellations to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara – NBC Los Angeles

Violent clashes amid the killing of the cartel leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” are affecting travel to and from parts of Mexico, causing flight delays and cancellations.

Multiple airlines, including Alaska, Delta and American, announced on their websites that they are canceling flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara and offering flexible travel policies to allow passengers to change their flights.

The airlines are also urging travelers to monitor their apps and websites for updates, warning that additional flights could be canceled in the coming days.

The U.S. State Department sent a warning to travelers on social media, advising those already in Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara to shelter in place because of the ongoing violence.

At Los Angeles International Airport, several travelers said they learned their Volaris flights to Guadalajara had been canceled.

“Doesn’t look like we’re going to be arriving there today, or maybe just not going at all. We’re still deciding whether it’s even a good idea to go there at all,” said Jolene Leon, a traveler.

Nicole Flores, another traveler, said coming to the airport in person seemed like the best option after struggling to get answers online or by phone.

“The biggest thing is coming to the airport, just because getting through online or like over the phone customer service was going to be the hardest, I think. So we came to the airport just trying to figure out what the best solution was, trying to see, obviously, we don’t want to put ourselves in danger, you know, so we definitely want to make sure we make the right decision on that,” Flores said.

NBC4 also spoke with Benjamin Zamora, who traveled from Guadalajara to his home in Las Vegas on Friday morning. 

Zamora said it was difficult getting to the airport because roads were blocked with burned cars. Once inside the Guadalajara airport, he said, many people appeared frightened amid rumors that armed men were inside the terminal.

“When we were waiting for our flight, that’s when we started noticing people just trying to hide. I went to the men’s bathroom, restroom, and I was very surprised to see a lot of ladies there, like older ladies. They were sheltering there with their kids. And then other people started just running because there was misinformation. People thought that armed men had breached the security area inside the airport. That never happened. At least I never saw anything like that,” Zamora said.

For travelers whose flights to Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara were canceled, airlines are allowing passengers to change or cancel their flights without a fee.