Mexico flight cancellations the latest hurdle for Canadian travel this season

International passengers arrive at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ont. on Wednesday, Feb.11, 2026. U.S. sanctions on oil getting to Cuba have caused jet fuel shortages and flight delays. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker

Cancelled flights in and out of Mexico this week have added to what travel agents say has been an already rocky season for the sector, as uncertainty continues to linger leading up to March break.

WestJet, Air Canada, Flair Airlines, Air Transat and Porter Airlines have all cancelled or diverted flights that were headed to the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, as violence erupted after the leader of a major drug cartel was reportedly killed in a government operation.

Richard Vanderlubbe, who runs Canadian travel agency tripcentral.ca, says many who had been considering plans to visit Mexico are now in wait-and-see mode.

He says he expects a short-term impact on Canadian tourism to the country, with cancellations likely to lead to lower prices that eventually spark new interest from travellers.

It comes on the heels of another major disruption for the sector with the Canadian government advising to avoid non-essential travel to Cuba due to shortages of basic necessities.

Vanderlubbe says more than 2,600 bookings made through his agency were cancelled due to that situation, prompting thousands to look for pricier alternatives.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 23, 2026.

Sammy Hudes, The Canadian Press