Why are flights delayed and cancelled at Mexico’s busiest airports? Hundreds of travellers stranded at Cancun Airport amid chaos

In a major disruption affecting travellers during one of the peak global travel periods, passengers faced significant delays and cancellations at two of Mexico's busiest airports. Cancun International Airport experienced 40 flight delays and 23 cancellations, while Lic. Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City recorded 22 delays and 6 cancellations, leaving hundreds of travellers stranded and scrambling to adjust their plans. But what led to such a condition? Let's find out what really happened.



According to PrimeTimer, aviation authorities told the outlet that the disruptions stemmed from increasing passenger volumes, which strained air traffic control, ground operations and airline schedules. These challenges were further intensified by operational adjustments, crew shortages and weather-related issues.

As a result of several-hour delays, travellers faced long waits in airport lounges and extended lines at customer service counters while airlines updated flight information. Numerous major carriers, including Aeroméxico, Viva, Aerobus, Interjet, American Airlines, Volaris, Avianca, All Nippon, and VivaAerobus, were affected by cancellations and delays.

The flight disruptions occurred shortly after Mexican authorities reported the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho".



On February 22, 2026, the Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, after he was wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and later died en route to Mexico City.

Following his death, the US State Department issued a security alert advising citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, and parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, to seek shelter and limit unnecessary travel due to ongoing security operations, roadblocks, and related criminal activity.

"All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in the Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place. All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area," the statement read.

The department also advised citizens to take several important precautions, including remaining in their residences or hotels and avoiding areas around law enforcement activity, staying aware of their surroundings, monitoring local media for updates, following the directions of local authorities and, in case of emergency, calling 911.

Additionally, the department urged the citizens to avoid crowds and keep family and friends advised of their location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.