Southwest Airlines Mexico Flight Disruptions Update as of 2PM CT

Southwest Airlines is facing significant operational disruptions on Monday, February 23, 2026, for select flights to Mexico due to ongoing civil unrest.

As of today, the airline has fully suspended operations to Puerto Vallarta (PVR), with no flights scheduled despite initially planning eight (four in each direction) from key hubs like Dallas Love Field.

The main impacts are concentrated on PVR and its surrounding areas.

Southwest's official travel advisory warns that there may be potential delays or cancellations for PVR services through Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Flight tracking data from sources such as FlightAware indicates that Southwest has canceled approximately 75% of its PVR flights amid the unrest, following four confirmed cancellations on Sunday.

Other airlines, including American, Delta, and United, have also either halted or reduced their service to PVR and Guadalajara (GDL), with some reporting cancellation rates as high as 76% for flights to these destinations.

In contrast, flights to Cancun (CUN) from Southwest are not currently experiencing widespread cancellations or suspensions related to the unrest.

Although the U.S. Embassy has updated its security alert to include the Quintana Roo state—advising U.S. citizens in locations such as Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum to shelter in place due to potential road blockages and criminal activity—there have been no reported airport closures or extensive flight disruptions at Cancun International Airport.

Southwest continues to operate nonstop service to CUN from U.S. cities such as Houston Hobby, Dallas Love Field, and Chicago Midway, with real-time status indicating normal operations as of 1:41 pm CST.

However, some sources note Cancun as part of the broader list of affected areas, though without specific airline cancellations beyond general waivers offered by other carriers for flexibility.

Flights to other unaffected Mexican hubs, like Mexico City, also remain operational.

Southwest says it prioritizes passenger and employee safety and offers flexible options for affected passengers and employees. As of 2 pm today, the Southwest website had not posted an official statement regarding Mexico's civial unrest.

Previously, the U.S. State Department said travelers to any Mexican destination, including Cancun, should exercise caution and avoid affected areas.

The situation in Mexico continues to evolve rapidly, with authorities working to restore order, the U.S. government says.

Currently, no proof of vaccination is required to visit Cancun or other parts of Mexico.