Canadian airlines have resumed flights to and from certain parts of Mexico following disruptions due to violence in the region. Travelers are now considering whether or not to proceed with their travel plans.
Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines have restarted operations to and from Puerto Vallarta, with Flair Airlines set to resume service to the popular resort town. Global Affairs Canada indicated that there have been no new incidents 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 killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand advised on Tuesday that Canadians with scheduled trips to Mexico should make decisions on a day-to-day basis, despite signs of improvement in the situation. This uncertainty has left travelers like Cindy Redmile, who is unsure about proceeding with her upcoming trip from Quesnel, B.C., to Cancun with her daughter.
Conversely, Lauretta Prince, from Fort St. James, B.C., is less apprehensive. She and a friend had planned 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, providing them the option to reschedule or receive travel credits if needed.
According to Will McAleer, executive director of the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, travelers may face financial consequences unless they have insurance policies allowing cancellations for any reason. While airlines are offering some flexibility for rebooking or canceling flights, coverage may vary depending on the circumstances.
The Canadian government advises against non-essential travel in certain parts of Mexico but encourages caution in popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. McKenzie McMillan of The Travel Group noted that despite recent security concerns, flights to Cancun continued as usual, providing some reassurance for travelers to the east coast.
McAleer recommends that individuals with upcoming trips to Mexico consult their airlines or tour operators for guidance. Prince remains optimistic about her granddaughters’ celebratory trip and is monitoring the situation closely before making a final decision, leaning towards proceeding as planned.