Violence in Mexico: what you need to know

Canadians in Mexico are being urged to follow local instructions, stay in touch with their airline, and register with Global Affairs Canada.

That advice was offered by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand at a news conference Monday, after violence erupted in several parts of Mexico following the reported killing of a drug cartel leader during a government operation.

Read more:

• VIDEO: Sask. man shocked at increasing violence in Puerto Vallarta
• Canadians in Mexican state of Jalisco taking cover following outbreak of violence
• Cancelled flight leaves Yorkton family stranded in Puerto Vallarta amid unrest

On its website, Global Affairs Canada is telling people to avoid non-essential travel to several regions of Mexico.

It says security incidents have taken place in areas including Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara), Guerrero (including Acapulco), Michoacán, Sinaloa (including Mazatlán), Quintana Roo (including Cancun), Baja California (including Tijuana and Tecate) and Nayarit.

“Shelter in place orders are in effect in Jalisco and Nayarit,” it says. “Similar instructions, including curfews, may be issued on short notice in other areas of the country.”

While not mandatory, Canadians in Mexico are advised to register with Global Affairs. Anand said more than 26,000 people have done so, including 8,000 in the last day.

Airlines cancel flights while eyeing situation

WestJet cancelled all of its Puerto Vallarta flights scheduled for Monday, including Regina (WS2380 and WS2381) and Saskatoon (WS2400 and WS2401).

The airline has also extended its flexible/change policy for service to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo. And it’s arranging extended stays for guests to comply with local guidelines.

Air Canada says customers in the area should remain at their accommodations and not go to the airport. It is allowing flight changes free of charge, space permitting.

People who booked through Air Canada Vacations should contact that agency directly.

United Airlines says people can reschedule trips with change fees and fare differences waived, with restrictions.

“This is a very day-by-day situation,” said James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority. He said anyone with plans should check with their airline online.

“Things can change very quickly as well. If your flight is booked later in the week and you’re still heading down to PVR (Puerto Vallarta), don’t automatically assume it’s been cancelled until the airline notifies you of that.”

– with files from 980 CJME’s Gillian Massie