What Happened
This week, several airlines, including WestJet, Air Canada, Flair Airlines, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines, canceled or diverted flights to and from Mexico, particularly targeting the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. These cancellations were prompted by escalating violence following the reported death of a major drug cartel leader during a government operation.
Why It Matters
The cancellations have exacerbated an already challenging season for the travel sector, as uncertainty looms ahead of the upcoming spring break. Over 26,000 Canadians currently in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada, indicating a significant number of travelers affected by the situation. Richard Vanderlubbe, president of the Canadian travel agency tripcentral.ca, noted that potential travelers are now hesitant, creating a ripple effect in travel plans.
What’s Next
WestJet announced that it would resume flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo on Tuesday after assessing the current situation. Similarly, Air Transat plans to restart its services to Puerto Vallarta on the same day, following positive updates from local authorities. The travel industry is closely monitoring developments, as the ongoing violence could lead to further disruptions.
