Flights to Puerto Vallarta resume after unrest halts travel from Calgary

Flights between Calgary and Puerto Vallarta resumed Tuesday after civil unrest in Mexico forced airlines to suspend service to parts of the country over the weekend.

The first two departures from Calgary International Airport, one scheduled before 7 a.m. and another just after 10 a.m., left earlier than expected as carriers worked to restore normal operations.

Some passengers originally booked to travel to Puerto Vallarta opted to switch destinations at the last minute, choosing Cancun instead as uncertainty lingered.

Sarah Carefoot, who changed her family’s trip, said the decision came after a marathon effort to reach her airline.

“We spent 10-and-a-half hours on the phone yesterday with WestJet changing our plans,” she said. “I think things were just up in the air.”

“Honestly, it seems everything settled down there. We probably could have gone, but with the kids we decided to play it safe.”

Aaron Garner, who also rerouted to Cancun, said his airline was accommodating.

“The airline was pretty flexible,” he said. “Initially they told us we had to pay a $200 cancellation fee each for the hotel, but they waived that.”

Airlines halted flights Sunday after the killing of a cartel leader triggered widespread gang violence, prompting officials in several Mexican regions to urge residents and tourists to shelter in place.

Travel agents say the sudden unrest sent customers scrambling to adjust their plans.

“It really is based on the airline itself that is giving that flexibility,” said Hidar Elmais of Travel Gurus. “For example, Air Canada and Air Transat have released flexibility to the end of the month so they can change at no cost, no penalties.”

Canadian airlines resumed service to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday.

WestJet says its flexible change policy for affected passengers remains in effect until Friday. Travellers flying with other carriers are being advised to check airline websites for the latest updates on schedules and policies.

The first WestJet flight returning from the resort town arrives in Calgary Tuesday evening.

More than 26,000 Canadians currently in Mexico are registered with the federal government.