By Trendsetter Tribune 
MEXICO CITY / GUADALAJARA — A significant escalation in cartel-related violence and major military operations in February 2026 has prompted a sharp increase in Americans turning to private aviation and high-end security services to navigate the country. Following the killing of a top Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader on February 22, 2026, widespread unrest and road blockades have transformed the travel landscape for expatriates and luxury travelers alike.
The shift comes as the U.S. Embassy issued urgent shelter-in-place orders for multiple states, including Jalisco and Baja California, earlier this week.
The “Security Premium”: Private Aviation Surges
As major airlines like American and Southwest canceled flights to hubs like Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) this week, those who can afford it are bypassing commercial terminals entirely.
- Flight Cancellations: Commercial carriers suspended operations over the weekend of Feb 22–23 due to “ongoing security operations,” leaving thousands stranded.
- The Private Pivot: Private jet operators have reported a “staggering” rise in demand, with some brokers seeing a 66% increase in flight requests to and from Mexico in the last 72 hours.
- Cost of Peace of Mind: Travelers are opting for smaller jets or turboprops for “cross-border hops” to avoid blocked highways and unpredictable airport closures.
| Aircraft Type | Estimated Hourly Rate (2026) | Best For |
| Very Light Jets (VLJ) | $1,500 – $3,000 | Regional hops (e.g., Brownsville to Monterrey) |
| Light Jets | $2,500 – $4,000 | Short-haul (e.g., Dallas to Cabo) |
| Midsize Jets | $4,000 – $8,000 | Comfort and range (e.g., LA to Mexico City) |
Escalating Security Costs for Expats
For the estimated 1.6 million Americans living in Mexico—particularly “snowbirds” and remote workers—the current volatility has made private security a necessity rather than a luxury.
- Shelter-in-Place Orders: On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Mission in Mexico directed staff in Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place, an order that many private citizens are now mirroring.
- Corporate Risk Mitigation: Executives are reportedly updating “enterprise risk” profiles, moving from general safety tips to purpose-specific security programs that include armored transport and 24/7 executive protection teams.
- Increased Fees: Travelers are also facing new logistical costs, including a 2026 increase in the Visitante sin Permiso para realizar Actividades Remuneradas (DNR) fee, which rose to approximately $54 USD in January, alongside new airport “extension fees” of roughly $150 for weekend or after-hours landings.
Safety Hotspots and Advisories
The U.S. State Department’s Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory remains in place for Mexico as a whole, but specific “Security Alert Updates” have identified high-risk zones.
- Jalisco (Guadalajara/Tapalpa): The epicenter of current unrest following a Special Forces operation. Road blockages remain a critical threat.
- Baja California (Tijuana/Ensenada): Ongoing concerns regarding cartel territorial disputes.
- Quintana Roo (Cancun/Playa del Carmen): While the Embassy noted that “situation returned to normal” in these areas by Feb 23, travelers are still urged to exercise “increased caution.”
“Travel to Mexico requires you to be smart, prudent, and vigilant… executives are turning to timely and proportional preventive measures to respond to potentially critical situations.” — FTI Strategic Communications, Feb 2026
Strategic Advice for 2026 Travelers
- Avoid Roads: Authorities have curtailed operations on several toll roads in Puebla, Guerrero, and Veracruz. Travel experts recommend avoiding driving whenever possible.
- Enroll in STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is being cited as the most critical tool for receiving immediate security updates directly from the Embassy.
- Verify Flights: Even if an airport is “open,” flight crews may be unavailable. Always confirm with your provider before heading to the terminal.