Canadian airlines have restarted flights to and from various parts of Mexico following disruptions due to violence in the region on Sunday. However, travelers are contemplating whether to proceed with their travel plans.
Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines have resumed operations to and from Puerto Vallarta as of Tuesday, while Flair Airlines is set to resume its service to the popular resort town on Wednesday. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that no new incidents have been reported as of Monday, but cautionary shelter-in-place advisories remain in effect for the western Mexican states of Jalisco and Nayarit following recent violence triggered by the military operation that led to the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand suggested on Tuesday that decisions regarding planned trips to Mexico should be evaluated daily, despite signs of improvement in the situation. This uncertainty has left potential Canadian travelers like Cindy Redmile unsure about whether to proceed with their upcoming trip to Cancun from Quesnel, B.C., with her daughter.
Conversely, others like Lauretta Prince from Fort St. James, B.C., are less concerned. Prince and a friend had booked a trip to Puerto Vallarta with their granddaughters to celebrate their graduations, leaving the final decision up to the young travelers. Both Redmile and Prince have purchased travel insurance to allow for flexibility in rebooking or obtaining travel credits if needed.
Travel insurance experts caution that cancellations may not be covered unless travelers have specific policies that permit cancellations for any reason. While airlines are providing some flexibility for rebooking or cancellations, coverage may vary based on departure dates and fare classes.
The Canadian government advises against non-essential travel in certain areas of Mexico but urges caution in popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cozumel, and Mexico City. Travel experts compare the current travel warnings to those in other countries like Italy, where caution is advised due to potential security threats.
Despite recent security concerns in Mexico, flights to destinations like Cancun have continued without disruptions, providing reassurance to travelers visiting those areas. Travelers with upcoming trips to Mexico are advised to communicate with their airlines or tour operators to understand their options and stay informed about the situation before finalizing their travel plans.