Alaska Airlines and Volaris cancel Portland-area Mexico flights as security operations disrupt Jalisco airports and roads
Disruptions tied to unrest near western Mexico airports
Alaska Airlines and Mexican carrier Volaris canceled flights affecting Portland International Airport (PDX) amid a fast-moving security situation in western Mexico that disrupted ground access to airports and prompted official “shelter in place” guidance for U.S. citizens in multiple states.
Alaska Airlines said it canceled 24 flights on February 22, 2026, involving Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo, citing civil unrest near Mexican airports and ongoing monitoring of conditions. One of the affected flights connected Puerto Vallarta and Portland, disrupting travel for passengers scheduled to return to Oregon.
Volaris also halted operations linked to Puerto Vallarta the same day, telling customers that flights to and from the airport were canceled and that impacted travelers would receive email instructions with self-service options and additional support.
What is known about the security situation
The disruptions followed a military operation in Mexico that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. In the aftermath, reports from the region described road blockages and criminal activity that affected movement in and around population centers and airport corridors.
U.S. government security messaging issued on February 22 advised U.S. citizens in several Mexican states—including Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are located—to shelter in place until further notice due to security operations, road blockages and related risks. The alert was later expanded to additional states, including areas that contain major tourism destinations.
Implications for Portland-area travelers
For Portland, the cancellations underscored how quickly events in destination regions can ripple through air travel networks. Western Mexico is a significant leisure market for Pacific Northwest travelers, and Puerto Vallarta in particular is a common nonstop destination during peak vacation periods.
Airlines typically cancel flights for a combination of reasons that can include airport access constraints, safety concerns for crews and passengers, and the operational challenge of repositioning aircraft when ground transportation around airports is disrupted. In this instance, both Alaska Airlines and Volaris cited conditions affecting airport operations in Puerto Vallarta.
What passengers can do next
Check flight status frequently, including return segments, before traveling to the airport.
Monitor airline rebooking communications and follow carrier instructions for reaccommodation or refunds where applicable.
For travelers currently in affected areas, follow official safety guidance and minimize unnecessary movement until conditions stabilize.
Air travel interruptions can persist beyond a single day when aircraft and crews are displaced, even after airports resume normal operations.
As of February 23, 2026, airlines and authorities were continuing to assess conditions, and travelers with near-term plans involving western Mexico were advised to anticipate possible ongoing schedule changes.