Puerto Vallarta travel disruptions may affect flights and bookings

Airlines canceled flights into and out of Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 23, and several Canadian carriers have announced temporary flexible change or refund options for travel through Feb. 25.

Escalating unrest around Puerto Vallarta prompted a shelter-in-place order over the weekend and disrupted airport operations. The Mexican embassy in the U.S. reported the military operation was conducted to arrest cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (reported as "El Mencho"). Canada's major carriers and other travel providers told Global News they have canceled some flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and are notifying affected customers. Several airlines and travel groups announced temporary flexibility for changes and refunds through Feb. 25. Known details: - The Mexican embassy in the U.S. reported the military operation was aimed at the arrest of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (reported as "El Mencho"). - Major Canadian carriers canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 23; Air Canada reported six canceled flights affecting roughly 500 customers. - The article says Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, Air Transat and Porter Airlines have offered temporary flexible change or refund options for travel through Feb. 25. - The Canadian Transportation Agency states airlines have minimum obligations for delays or cancellations, which can include rebooking, refunds, standards of treatment, and up to $1,000 in compensation; airlines are also required to provide reasonable overnight accommodation and transport when passengers are stranded. - The Travel Health Insurance Association issued an advisory noting some travel insurance plans may cover delayed returns and advising travellers to retain receipts; Global Affairs Canada asked Canadians in affected areas to register and provided SOS contact information. Summary: The disruptions have resulted in canceled flights and left hundreds of travellers affected while carriers put temporary flexibility policies in place through Feb. 25. The Canadian Transportation Agency's rules and insurer guidance are cited as the framework for refunds, rebooking and possible compensation. Undetermined at this time.