For many travelers and tourists, Mexico is the natural bridge connecting Costa Rica with the rest of North America and Europe. However, the recent security events that erupted on February 22, 2026, have generated uncertainty among those with flights scheduled with stopovers in Mexican territory.
At People of Costa Rica, we understand that peace of mind is essential when traveling. Therefore, we have compiled the most up-to-date information on how this situation is impacting air operations and what you should do if you have a flight in the coming days.
What Is Happening at Connection Airports?
The wave of violence and road blockades, primarily triggered as retaliation for federal security operations in Jalisco, has created a domino effect in commercial aviation. Although airlines are doing their best to maintain normal operations, routes connecting with Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Guanacaste Airport (LIR) are experiencing disruptions.
Here is how the situation is shaping up at the main connection points:
● Mexico City (AICM and AIFA): As the main hub for airlines such as Aeroméxico and Volaris, the capital is absorbing the impact of cancellations in the Pacific region. This means aircraft and crews are operating outside their usual rotations, causing significant delays and some cancellations on flights to and from Central America.
● Cancún (CUN): A highly popular connection point for low-cost flights to Costa Rica. Although the state of Quintana Roo is far from the epicenter of the conflict, international authorities have raised security alerts. Flights are operating with greater stability, but under strict protocols and potential chain-reaction delays.
● Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR): If your itinerary includes a stopover in the state of Jalisco, the situation is critical. A large portion of international operations in this area has been temporarily suspended.
Critical Recommendations for Tourists in Transit
If you, your relatives, or clients have an imminent trip involving a stop in Mexico, it is vital to take preventive measures immediately:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Do not assume your flight will operate as planned. Check the status directly on your airline’s app or website before heading to the airport in Costa Rica.
- Take Advantage of Flexibility Policies (Waivers): Key airlines in the region have activated protection policies. This allows you to change your flight date or seek alternative routes without penalty fees. Manage these changes digitally or by phone, preferably before arriving at the airport counter.
- Evaluate Alternative Routes: If the trip cannot be postponed, consult the airline about being rebooked on connections that avoid Mexican airspace. Viable options include stopovers in Panama (Copa Airlines), Bogotá (Avianca), or Miami/Houston (American Airlines, United), depending on your visa requirements.
- Shelter-in-Place Protocol: If your flight is canceled while you are already in transit within a Mexican airport, the directive from international embassies is clear: remain inside the airport terminal. Do not venture out to seek accommodation in nearby areas unless the airline or authorities guarantee secure transportation. Airports are heavily guarded by federal forces.
Stay Informed
The situation is fluid, and conditions may change hour by hour. We recommend that all travelers register with their respective embassy alert systems and keep emergency consular contact numbers readily available.
Official Links to Verify Your Flight Status
Do not rely on screenshots or old emails; the situation changes minute by minute. Use these official channels to confirm your itinerary before leaving home or your hotel:
● Aeroméxico: Flight Tracking and Real-Time Status (Essential for connections at AICM).
● Volaris: Check Your Flight Status (Main low-cost airline connecting San José and Cancún/Mexico City).
● Mexico City International Airport (AICM): Live Departures and Arrivals (To view general delays at the main terminal).
● Copa Airlines: Flight Status (If considering rerouting through the Hub of the Americas in Panama).
● Avianca: Flight Status (For connection options via Bogotá or El Salvador).
● FlightAware: Global Flight Tracking (A highly reliable external tool to see your aircraft’s exact location on the map).
What to Do If Your Flight Appears as “Canceled” or “Delayed”?
If you see a change in your travel status after checking these links, do not wait until you arrive at the airport. Most airlines have activated waivers (fee exemptions) due to the situation in Mexico. Immediately call their customer service centers or use their official WhatsApp chats to request a free rebooking.
