Puerto Vallarta Unrest Forces Milwaukee Flight to Return

Passengers reported seeing smoke and people running on the tarmac before flight was diverted back to Milwaukee

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A flight from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico landed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport after violence in the area prompted flight cancellations and shelter-in-place advisories. Passengers on the flight said they saw smoke and people running on the tarmac before the pilot announced the airport was being evacuated and they had to return to Milwaukee.

Why it matters

The unrest in Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, highlights the potential risks and disruptions that travelers can face when political or criminal violence erupts at their destination. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring travel advisories and being prepared to change plans if necessary to ensure passenger safety.

The details

According to Mexican authorities, the unrest was sparked by the military killing of Nemesio Cervantes, a high-profile cartel leader known as "El Mencho". This led to canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, as well as a U.S. government advisory urging Americans in parts of Jalisco state to shelter in place. Passengers on the flight to Milwaukee said they saw smoke and people running from the airport terminal before the pilot announced the evacuation and their return to the U.S.

  • The flight from Puerto Vallarta landed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  • The unrest in Puerto Vallarta that prompted the flight's return occurred earlier that same day.

The players

Nemesio Cervantes

Also known as "El Mencho", he was a high-profile cartel leader in Mexico who was killed by the Mexican military in an operation that sparked the unrest in Puerto Vallarta.

Patti Beck

A passenger on the flight from Puerto Vallarta to Milwaukee who captured video and photos of the chaotic scene at the airport before the flight returned to the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“All of a sudden, people in masses started running out of the building, running as far away from the building as they could get. Pilot came on and said the building is being evacuated and shut down. We sat there. Pretty much sat there waiting and everybody is like, what is going on?”

— Patti Beck, Passenger (FOX6 News)

What’s next

The U.S. government is expected to continue monitoring the situation in Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco state, and may issue further travel advisories if the unrest persists.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for travelers to stay vigilant, monitor travel advisories, and be prepared to change plans if necessary when visiting areas with political or criminal instability. The safety of passengers is the top priority when violence disrupts travel plans.