Is Guadalajara Airport Closed? Update on the Attacks Following El Mencho’s Death Merca2.0

Security concerns in Jalisco, Mexico, have raised questions among domestic and international travelers, particularly about operations at the Guadalajara International Airport following the violent incidents reported over the weekend after the death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The military presence at the airport and flight cancellations triggered alerts on social media. If you are planning to travel to this Mexican state, here’s what is known so far.

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Is Guadalajara Airport closed?

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico announced on Sunday, through a statement shared on its official social media accounts, that Guadalajara International Airport is operating normally. According to the message, the airport did not officially suspend its activities despite the violence in the state.

However, several airlines chose to cancel or divert flights as a precaution following the unrest in Jalisco, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded since Sunday. The cancellations were based on each airline’s internal safety and logistical criteria.

This Monday, the terminal is under the protection of members of the Mexican Army and the National Guard. The presence of federal forces aims to strengthen security at access points, surrounding roads, and strategic areas of the airport to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and flight operations. So far, authorities have not issued any notice of a full airport closure.

Was Guadalajara Airport attacked?

As of now, there is no official confirmation of a direct attack against the facilities of Guadalajara International Airport. Reports of violence in the state included highway blockades, burned vehicles, and clashes in different areas of Jalisco, but airport authorities ruled out any structural damage or aggression within the airport perimeter.

The confusion mainly arose from the proximity of some incidents on nearby roads and the flight suspensions carried out by airlines. Nevertheless, neither Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico nor federal authorities have reported that the airport was directly targeted.

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Where is Guadalajara Airport located?

Guadalajara International Airport, officially named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, is located in the municipality of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, south of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

The airport is one of the most important in Mexico in terms of passenger traffic and international connections, especially to the United States. Its strategic location makes it a key hub for western Mexico, both for tourism and commercial and air logistics activity.

How was the operation in which El Mencho was killed carried out?

The operation took place in the municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco, with the objective of detaining Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. According to the Secretariat of National Defense, federal personnel were attacked during the mission and responded to the aggression. Four CJNG members were killed in the confrontation, and three others were seriously injured.

El Mencho was among those wounded and later died during an air transfer to Mexico City. Three federal officers were also injured and transported to hospitals for specialized medical attention.

The operation was led by Mexican Army Special Forces, supported by aircraft from the Mexican Air Force and rapid reaction units from the National Guard. In addition to the arrests, authorities seized high-powered weapons and armored vehicles, including equipment capable of bringing down aircraft.

Following the operation, criminal groups responded with roadblocks in Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Puebla, Veracruz, Guerrero, and Zacatecas, among other states. These actions caused traffic chaos, suspension of activities, and widespread concern among residents.

Who was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes?

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was born on July 17, 1966, in a rural community in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Coming from a family dedicated to agricultural work, he spent his childhood in an environment with limited resources. During his youth, he emigrated to the United States, where he lived in California.

In the 1980s, he was arrested in the United States on drug-related charges and later deported to Mexico. After his return, he began integrating into drug trafficking structures operating in western Mexico. Over time, he consolidated alliances and gained experience managing routes, contacts, and logistical networks.

His rise within the criminal world was marked by an aggressive expansion strategy and direct confrontation with rival groups. As other organizations weakened, he positioned himself as a key figure in the reconfiguration of Mexico’s drug trafficking landscape. Mexican and U.S. authorities included him for years on their most-wanted lists, offering multimillion-dollar rewards for information leading to his capture.

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