In the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to attract millions of tourists to Jalisco, the recent death of Nemesio Oseguera, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has sparked significant violence in the region. This surge in violence has paralyzed connectivity across western Mexico, specifically affecting major airports like Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Tepic. As a result, vital travel plans for both national and international visitors have been severely disrupted.

By the evening of February 22, numerous flight cancellations had been reported, with at least 325 flights being scrapped across these airports. Puerto Vallarta emerged as the hardest-hit location, suffering 139 suspended flights and leading to a complete halt of international operations, particularly those involving the United States. Airlines such as Aeroméxico have canceled all routes to the affected airports, while Volaris and Viva Aerobus have reported large-scale disruptions, raising alarms about the potential impact on the economy and tourism sector of the region.

The implications of this crisis are profound as the region gears up for the influx of tourists for the World Cup. With financial interests at stake, local businesses rely heavily on tourism for their livelihood, and the ongoing violence poses a threat not only to public safety but also to the economic stability of Jalisco. As the local government and authorities grapple with security challenges, the future of tourism and international events in the state hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to restore safety and restore confidence among potential visitors.