Canadian airlines have restarted flights to and from various parts of Mexico following disruptions caused by violence in the region on Sunday. However, travelers are deliberating whether to proceed with their travel plans.
Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines have resumed their operations in and out of Puerto Vallarta, while Flair Airlines announced the resumption of service to the resort town starting Wednesday. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that there have been no new incidents reported as of Monday, although shelter-in-place advisories remain in effect for Jalisco and Nayarit in western Mexico due to violence triggered by the recent military operation that led to the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand advised that decisions regarding travel to Mexico should be made on a day-to-day basis despite signs of improvement in the situation. This uncertainty has left travelers like Cindy Redmile, who is scheduled to depart from Quesnel, B.C., to Cancun with her daughter, hesitant about their upcoming trip due to concerns about safety.
Conversely, Lauretta Prince from Fort St. James, B.C., remains less apprehensive. She and a friend planned a trip to Puerto Vallarta with their granddaughters for mid-March, leaving the final decision to the kids. Both Redmile and Prince purchased travel insurance for flexibility in case they need to reschedule or obtain travel credits.
Regarding cancellations, travelers without insurance coverage for any reason may not be able to recoup their expenses. Airlines such as WestJet are offering limited rebooking options for specific departure dates in light of the ongoing situation. Travel insurance expert Will McAleer emphasized the importance of understanding policy terms, which typically cover cancellations due to medical emergencies or government-issued travel advisories.
While the Canadian government warns against non-essential travel to certain Mexican regions, popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cancun are only subject to exercise caution advisories. McKenzie McMillan, a partner at The Travel Group, highlighted that similar alerts are common in other countries like Italy due to security concerns.
Despite the recent incidents in Mexico, McMillan reassured travelers heading to destinations like Cancun that their travel plans should proceed without major concerns. McAleer advised individuals with upcoming trips to Mexico to communicate with their airlines or tour operators for guidance on available options.
Prince, optimistic about her granddaughters’ celebratory trip, continues to monitor the situation before finalizing her decision. She remains hopeful that the trip will proceed as planned, emphasizing the significance of the occasion for her family.