Flights Disrupted After Cartel Leader's Death in Mexico

Civil unrest in Mexico led to flight cancellations and delays at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 5:20pm

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Flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Mexico were affected by civil unrest after the death of a cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho". The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for several Mexican states, urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity. This led to flight cancellations and delays at Sky Harbor, with over 60 cancellations and 30 delays reported as of Monday morning.

Why it matters

The disruptions to flights between Phoenix and Mexico highlight the potential impact of cartel-related violence on travel plans. Sky Harbor is a major hub for flights to and from Mexico, so any unrest south of the border can significantly disrupt air travel for passengers. This incident also raises concerns about the safety of travelers in certain regions of Mexico.

The details

Following a military operation that killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho", a wave of violence erupted in western Mexico. This included the burning of buses and blockages of roads. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for several Mexican states, urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place. This led to the cancellation of most domestic and international flights in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, with about 40% of Puerto Vallarta's flights and 16% of Guadalajara's flights canceled on Monday. Sky Harbor had several flight cancellations and delays to and from these Mexican cities.

  • On Feb. 22, a military operation killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho".
  • On Feb. 22 and 23, flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Mexico were affected by the civil unrest following Oseguera's death.
  • As of 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, there were 67 cancellations and 32 delays at Sky Harbor.

The players

Nemesio Oseguera

Also known as "El Mencho", he was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and was killed in a military operation on Feb. 22.

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico

Issued a security alert for several Mexican states, urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place due to the ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.

Sky Harbor International Airport

A major hub for flights to and from Mexico, which experienced significant flight cancellations and delays due to the civil unrest in Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“U.S. citizens in locations affected by the violence should shelter in place, adding that most domestic and international flights were canceled in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Rideshares were suspended in Puerto Vallarta as well.”

— U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs

What’s next

The situation in Mexico is still developing, and travelers should continue to monitor the security alerts and flight status updates from their airlines and the U.S. Embassy.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential for cartel-related violence in Mexico to disrupt travel plans, especially for those flying between the U.S. and popular Mexican destinations. Travelers should stay informed about security conditions and be prepared for possible flight disruptions when planning trips to Mexico.