Executive Summary
- Canadians in Puerto Vallarta ordered to shelter in place due to violence.
- Reports confirm roadblocks, burning vehicles, shootouts, and explosions.
- Air Canada, Porter, and WestJet have cancelled flights to the region.
- Federal government and consulate are monitoring the situation.
HALIFAX – Canadian citizens located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have been ordered to shelter in place following a significant escalation of violence in Jalisco State. According to an urgent advisory from the federal government, criminal groups have established roadblocks using burning vehicles, disrupting travel and safety in the popular tourist region.
Federal officials report that the unrest includes incidents of shootouts and explosions. While the extent of the violence is still being assessed, it is not yet clear if there have been any injuries. The situation has prompted immediate logistical consequences, with Air Canada, Porter, and WestJet cancelling flights into the Puerto Vallarta airport effective immediately.
An official with the Canadian consulate has confirmed that the government is actively monitoring the situation. The advisory specifically warns travelers in Jalisco State to remain indoors and avoid travel due to the volatile security conditions.
International Security Outlook
The tactical use of burning blockades and coordinated attacks on infrastructure represents a severe disruption to civil order in Jalisco, directly impacting international tourism and aviation safety. This escalation necessitates a high-level consular response to ensure the safety of foreign nationals. The immediate suspension of commercial flights indicates that risk levels have exceeded standard operational thresholds for carriers, suggesting a prolonged disruption until local authorities can stabilize the region.
