Massive Snowstorm, Cartel Violence, and Government Shutdown Disrupt Air Travel

Nearly 9,000 flights canceled as winter storm pounds Northeast, Mexican cartel unrest hits Puerto Vallarta, and TSA staffing issues persist amid budget fight.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful winter storm has pummeled the Northeast, leading to the cancellation of nearly 9,000 flights within, into, or out of the US on Sunday and Monday. Meanwhile, cartel violence erupted in parts of Mexico, forcing airlines to cancel 139 flights in and out of the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta. Adding to the travel chaos, the partial government shutdown is causing delays and confusion at airport security, with the status of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs in flux.

Why it matters

The combination of extreme weather, cartel violence, and political dysfunction has created an exceptionally messy situation for air travelers, with widespread flight cancellations, airport disruptions, and safety concerns. This highlights the vulnerabilities of the US air travel system and the need for better coordination and preparedness to handle such complex, multi-faceted disruptions.

The details

The winter storm pummeling the Northeast has led to the cancellation of over 90% of flights at major airports like Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, and LaGuardia, with New York City declaring a state of emergency and issuing a travel ban. In Mexico, cartel violence erupted after the military killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, forcing the cancellation of 139 flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta. The partial government shutdown has also caused delays and confusion at airport security, with the status of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs in flux.

  • On Sunday and Monday, nearly 9,000 flights were canceled within, into, or out of the US.
  • By 7 a.m. on Monday, at least 15 inches of snow had fallen at each of the three major airports serving New York City.
  • On Sunday, cartel violence erupted in parts of Mexico after its military killed "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel.
  • On Monday morning, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the situation had de-escalated, with an extra 2,500 armed personnel sent to the state since the violence began.
  • On February 14, Democrats and the White House reached a stalemate over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, leading to the partial government shutdown.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who declared a state of emergency and issued a travel ban due to the winter storm.

Claudia Sheinbaum

The president of Mexico who said the situation had de-escalated after cartel violence erupted in parts of the country.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This chaotic situation for air travelers highlights the need for better coordination and preparedness to handle complex, multi-faceted disruptions to the US air travel system, which can be vulnerable to extreme weather, violence, and political dysfunction.