Colorado Tourists Escape Puerto Vallarta After Cartel Violence

Flights and roads shut down amid deadly cartel clashes in popular Mexican resort town

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Passengers aboard a flight from Puerto Vallarta landed safely at Denver International Airport on Monday after the Mexican military killed the leader of the country's most powerful drug cartel, triggering widespread violence that left American tourists stranded. Criminal groups retaliated by setting cars and buildings on fire and blocking roads, preventing people from leaving or entering various cities. Many airlines had suspended flights to the area due to the ongoing cartel violence.

Why it matters

The unrest in Puerto Vallarta highlights the security challenges facing Mexico's tourism industry, which is a vital part of the country's economy. The incident also raises concerns about the safety of American travelers in parts of Mexico affected by cartel violence.

The details

Two Southwest flights and one United flight into DIA were canceled on Monday afternoon, but United Flight 296 was the only inbound flight from Puerto Vallarta to land. Passengers described seeing military helicopters circling the city and having to improvise to get to the airport, with cabs shut down and roads blocked by burned-out vehicles. Some tourists, including Coloradans vacationing in Cancun, were advised to shelter in place amid the unrest.

  • On Monday afternoon, two Southwest flights and one United flight into DIA from Puerto Vallarta were canceled.
  • United Flight 296 from Puerto Vallarta landed safely at DIA on Monday night.

The players

Derrick Thomas

A passenger on United Flight 296 from Puerto Vallarta.

Steve Byrne

A frequent visitor to Puerto Vallarta who made it home on the flight.

Susan Tolibas

Byrne's travel companion who also made it home on the flight.

Alex Braden

A Colorado tourist who was vacationing at a resort in Cancun when the unrest began.

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What they’re saying

“It was a lot. It was scary.”

— Derrick Thomas (denver7.com)

“We've always felt safe [in Puerto Vallarta].”

— Steve Byrne (denver7.com)

“They were circling around each area. It just kept going. And they were low. Felt like you could just touch them.”

— Susan Tolibas (denver7.com)

“Cautious, yes, worried, no.”

— Steve Byrne (denver7.com)

“We started seeing the photos, we turned on the news into our resort hotel, and it became kind of frightening at that point in time. We got the embassy alerts saying to, you know, shelter in place. That's when it became kind of real.”

— Alex Braden (denver7.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Embassy advised travelers that it may be possible to book a connecting flight through another Mexican city if their flight to the United States is canceled.

The takeaway

The unrest in Puerto Vallarta serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing Mexico's tourism industry and the potential risks for American travelers in certain parts of the country. This incident highlights the importance of staying informed, being prepared, and exercising caution when visiting areas affected by cartel violence.