Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has issued a cautionary travel advisory for Canadians visiting Mexico. This announcement follows recent incidents of violence linked to the killing of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
Travel Advisory Amid Easing Tensions
Anand emphasized the importance of Canadians staying vigilant while traveling in Mexico. Although violence has decreased since El Mencho’s death, she urged travelers to remain informed and heed local authorities’ advice.
Current Situation in Mexico
The situation in various regions of Mexico is currently evolving. Canadian airlines have resumed flights to many destinations affected by the unrest, particularly in light of the violent events prompted by the cartel’s anti-government response.
- El Mencho was killed in Jalisco, a state known for popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta.
- Thousands of Canadians were initially stranded due to roadblocks and violence over the weekend.
- As of this Tuesday, about 55,000 Canadians have registered with Global Affairs Canada for updates, up from 26,305 a day prior.
Flights Resuming
Air Canada announced the operation of three return flights from Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta. This move aims to assist approximately 1,000 customers whose flights were disrupted.
The airline is utilizing Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which provide additional seating capacity, to accommodate affected travelers.
Other airlines, including WestJet, Air Transat, and Flair Airlines, have also resumed or planned the restoration of service to affected areas.
Advice for Travellers
Anand advised Canadians to continuously assess the situation before traveling. She conveyed that the trajectory toward normalization is hopeful but remains subject to change.
In summary, while the situation in Mexico shows signs of improvement, Canadians are strongly encouraged to stay informed and cautious during their travels.
