San Jose Airport Cancels Flights to Mexico After Cartel Leader Killed

Travelers in the Bay Area impacted by violence in Mexico

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A flight from San Jose Mineta International Airport to Guadalajara that was scheduled for Sunday afternoon was canceled due to the ongoing violence in Mexico. Other flights between the Bay Area and destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Tijuana, have also been impacted as the U.S. State Department advises Americans in certain Mexican cities to shelter in place.

Why it matters

The cancellation of flights between the Bay Area and Mexico highlights the ripple effects that cartel violence in Mexico can have on travelers, both those trying to depart and those trying to return home. It also underscores the precarious security situation in parts of Mexico that has led to U.S. government travel advisories.

The details

Several airlines, including Air Canada, United, and Delta, have temporarily canceled flights to and from certain Mexican destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Tijuana due to the ongoing cartel violence. This includes a canceled Volaris flight from Puerto Vallarta that was set to arrive in San Jose. The U.S. State Department has advised Americans in cities like Puerta Vallarta and Guadalajara to shelter in place.

  • A flight from San Jose to Guadalajara that was scheduled for Sunday afternoon was canceled.
  • Flights between the Bay Area and Puerto Vallarta, as well as Tijuana and Ensenada, may be impacted through at least Thursday.

The players

San Jose Mineta International Airport

An international airport serving the city of San Jose, California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

U.S. State Department

The federal executive department responsible for conducting foreign relations of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The violence unfolding in Mexico is impacting travelers in the Bay Area.”

— Marianne Favro (NBC Bay Area)

What’s next

The situation remains fluid, and more flight cancellations or disruptions between the Bay Area and Mexico could occur in the coming days depending on the security conditions.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for travelers to closely monitor government advisories and airline updates when planning trips to certain regions of Mexico due to the ongoing threat of cartel violence, which can have cascading effects on transportation and travel plans.