UPDATED 07JAN: The Canadian government is still advising travellers in the area of Mazatlan, Mexico, to shelter in place as drug cartel violence overruns the region, and Canadian airlines warn of flight delays and cancellations due to airport closures and impassable roads. The GoC advisory says the Mazatlan airport has re-opened, but air travel and flight schedules are still in flux.
The violence in the western part of the country reportedly began following a security operation by authorities early on 05JAN which captured the alleged drug trafficking son of former cartel leader ‘El Chapo.’
Ottawa advises against all travel to the Sinaloa region, with its updated advisory reading as of 07JAN:
There is widespread violence and security operations in Sinaloa State, particularly in Culiacán, Mazatlan, Los Mochis and Guasave since the arrest, on January 5, 2023, of a cartel leader. There are burning cars, exchanges of fire and threat to essential infrastructure, including airports.
The Culiacán and Mazatlán airports reopened on January 6, 2023. Los Mochis airport remains closed. Flight schedules have changed. Contact your airline to check your flight status or change your travel arrangements before going to the airport.
If you are in Sinaloa:
- limit your movements and shelter in place if possible
- avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- don’t attempt to cross road blockades, even if they appear unattended
- allow extra time to reach your destination
- expect an increased presence of security forces
- monitor local media for information on the evolving situation
- follow the instructions of local authorities
CTV News reports a group of Canadian tourists was trapped inside their hotel Thursday, 05JAN as the buses that were supposed to take them to the airport for their return flight home were burned outside.
At least two Canadian operators have published their own advisories for the region.
WestJet: UPDATED
WestJet has announced flexible change/cancel policies for Mazatlan for flights scheduled on 06-07JAN. UPDATE: EXTENDED TO 08JAN. The airline advises all guests to check the status of flights before departing for the airport and to watch for additional updates and advisories as the situation evolves. It advises pax to contact their travel agent for air-only bookings.
Sunwing: UPDATED
Similarly, Sunwing has posted a notice on its web site warning of the impact on flights of the closure of the Mazatlan airport and surrounding roads. Customers currently in Mazatlan are advised to reconfirm transfer times with Sunwing reps on the ground before attempting to travel to the airport. Travellers with upcoming flights are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport.
UPDATE: Southbound departures were cancelled 06JAN; Sunwing is working to confirm details of northbound recovery flights. Its updated advisory states:
For our existing customers in destination, recovery flights are in the process of being scheduled and revised travel times will be communicated shortly. Customers are advised to remain in their hotels until their new return flights are confirmed and to refer to their destination representative for updated transfer times.
Please note that Sunwing is providing hotel accommodation, food and beverage, and airport transfers for all customers delayed in destination, at Sunwing’s cost.
At time of Open Jaw publication on the morning of 06JAN, no advisories had yet been posted on Air Canada, ACV, or Transat web sites, however, similar good-sense precautions of checking on flight status and operator cancellation policies due to the government’s current travel advisory apply.
