Canadian airlines are restarting flights to and from certain parts of Mexico after disruptions due to violence in the region on Sunday, but travelers are hesitating about whether to proceed with their plans. Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines have resumed services to and from Puerto Vallarta, with Flair Airlines set to resume operations to the 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 states of Jalisco and Nayarit in western Mexico following violent incidents triggered by the military operation that led to the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
Regarding travel decisions to Mexico, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand suggested making daily assessments despite signs of improvement in the situation, leaving potential travelers like Cindy Redmile uncertain about their next steps. Redmile, planning a trip with her daughter to Cancun from Quesnel, B.C., expressed concerns about the evolving situation and the safety of her youngest daughter.
Meanwhile, Lauretta Prince from Fort St. James, B.C., remains less apprehensive about her upcoming trip to Puerto Vallarta with her granddaughters to celebrate their graduations, allowing the young travelers to have a say in the decision-making process. Both Redmile and Prince have purchased travel insurance enabling them to reschedule or receive travel credits if needed.
Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada Executive Director Will McAleer highlighted that standard insurance policies might not cover trip cancellations unless specific cancellation-for-any-reason coverage was purchased. While airlines are offering flexibility for select departure dates, McAleer emphasized the importance of understanding individual insurance policies to navigate cancellation provisions effectively.
The Canadian government advises against non-essential travel to some areas of Mexico, while popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cozumel, and Mexico City are under a caution advisory. McKenzie McMillan, managing partner of The Travel Group, compared Mexico’s travel alerts to those of Italy, noting the commonality in caution levels due to security risks in various regions.
Despite security concerns in Puerto Vallarta, flights to other Mexican cities like Cancun have continued without interruptions, providing reassurance to travelers heading to those destinations. McAleer recommended communicating with airlines or tour operators for the latest information and options for upcoming trips. Prince, optimistic about her planned trip, remains in touch with her travel agent and acquaintances in Puerto Vallarta, hoping for a successful and memorable journey for her granddaughters.