Lufthansa has said it will continue to operate scheduled flights from Frankfurt and Munich to Mexico despite a surge in violence in parts of the country following the death of a major drug cartel leader. The airline made the announcement as unrest erupted across regions including the state of Jalisco after Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera, widely known as El Mencho, during a military operation.
Violence tied to retaliation by cartel members and related clashes has prompted several airlines from the United States and Canada to cancel or suspend flights to some Mexican destinations, particularly Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew. Major carriers including United Airlines, Southwest, American Airlines and Air Canada temporarily pulled service after the unrest intensified.
Despite growing travel disruptions elsewhere, Lufthansa stated that it was operating its flights to Mexico on Monday as planned. The airline did not suspend service, reflecting its assessment of flight safety and coordination with authorities. The decision comes against a backdrop of heightened security alerts and travel advisories issued by some governments, which have urged citizens to shelter in place in affected regions and monitor official guidance.
The unrest followed the military operation that killed El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations. The death triggered road blockades, shootouts and other violent acts in multiple states, causing disruptions to transportation and prompting airlines to adjust operations.
Lufthansa’s stance stands in contrast to the decisions of some North American carriers that have taken precautionary measures, including flight cancellations and travel waivers for affected routes. Passengers travelling to or from Mexico amid the ongoing situation are advised to stay in close touch with their airlines for the latest updates.
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