Delta Air Lines has issued a travel waiver for customers flying to parts of western Mexico after violent unrest disrupted air travel following the killing of a major cartel leader. The waiver remains in effect as security concerns continue to affect operations in and around Jalisco state.
According to CBS Atlanta, the airline said the disruption followed the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The report said cartel members responded by blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire, contributing to widespread violence in the region.
Delta’s advisory states that travel to, from, or through Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) may be affected. On its official advisory page, Delta listed impacted travel dates as February 22-26, 2026, with reissued tickets required by March 7, 2026, and travel beginning no later than that same date.
Flight Disruptions and Rebooking Terms
One Delta flight from Detroit to Puerto Vallarta was diverted to Alabama on Sunday, and passengers were later rebooked to Detroit. The airline also warned that service to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara could continue to change and advised travelers to check flight status updates frequently on Delta’s website or app.
Delta’s published waiver terms allow customers rebooked in the same cabin of service on or before March 7 to avoid fare differences in most cases. The airline also said travelers who cannot reschedule within the stated window may cancel and apply the unused ticket value toward a new booking within one year of the original ticket issue date.
The CBS article also noted that other carriers, including Air Canada, American, Southwest, and United, canceled flights to the region, indicating that the disruption extended beyond Delta’s network.
Security Fallout After El Mencho’s Death
The broader security crisis stems from a Mexican military operation that killed El Mencho on Sunday. Expert reports described the operation as a major blow to the CJNG, which it called Mexico’s most powerful drug cartel, and reported that the aftermath pushed parts of the country into chaos.
In Guadalajara, burning vehicles blocked roads and businesses closed, while authorities responded to escalating unrest. The report also said the U.S. State Department warned Americans in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, to remain in safe places because of ongoing security operations. On top of that, Canada’s embassy warned citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and keep a low profile in Jalisco.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus urged residents to stay home, suspended public transportation, and described the moment as “critical hours.” That local response underscored the operational impact on both residents and travelers during the immediate aftermath of the cartel leader’s killing.
Why the CJNG Story Matters for Travelers
The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to US$15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. It said the CJNG began operating around 2009 and has grown into one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.
Moreover, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. It also cited the DEA’s assessment that the CJNG has a presence in all 50 U.S. states and remains a major supplier of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamines. Those details help explain why the security operation quickly became an international travel and diplomatic issue, rather than just a local law enforcement matter.
On the airline side, Delta’s advisory remained active with specific rebooking rules and affected cities, reflecting how security events in key Mexican destinations can rapidly translate into schedule changes and waiver policies for U.S. travelers. For passengers with plans to Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara, the immediate practical issue is monitoring flight status and using the waiver window before the March 7 deadline.
