Cancun Airport Ambush: Cartel's Deadly Attack

On March 28, 2022, a loud noise at Cancun Airport in Mexico caused panic among travellers who believed that gunshots were being fired. Videos posted on social media showed travellers running out of the terminal with their luggage. However, Mexican authorities, including the National Guard, later confirmed that there was no evidence of gunshots and that the noise was caused by falling advertisement signboards that had been accidentally knocked over. The incident caused flight suspensions and delays as people spread unconfirmed reports of gunshots, activating emergency protocols and an evacuation of terminal three.

The loud bangs heard at Cancun Airport were caused by falling billboards

On March 28, 2022, a loud noise at Cancun International Airport in Mexico caused a stampede as frightened travellers believed it to be the sound of gunshots. Videos posted on social media showed tourists rushing out of Terminal 3, with some taking cover on the tarmac and others evacuating onto the runway. However, Mexico's National Guard confirmed that there was no evidence of gunshots, and the noise was caused by three large, freestanding display stands that had been accidentally knocked over.

The Emergency Operations Center issued a statement explaining that the loud bangs were the result of three "totem-style" signposts, each weighing approximately 50 kg (110 lb), falling over after being inadvertently pushed by a passenger rushing to their gate. This created a loud noise that was misinterpreted as gunshots by some airport users, triggering a rushed exit. The statement also noted that the incident was a false alarm caused by a "misinterpretation" of the noise.

The incident caused a brief suspension of flights and led to reports of injuries from trampling as people sought safety. The US Embassy in Mexico urged those in Cancun to contact their families to assure them of their safety. The situation reflected the growing nervousness among tourists due to the recent wave of violence and deaths in the area, including murders committed by the Jalisco cartel.

While the loud bangs were initially thought to be an ambush or a shooting, it was ultimately determined that the falling billboards were the source of the noise, causing a scare but resulting in no injuries. This event highlighted the heightened tensions and the potential for misperceptions to lead to panic in areas with a history of violence.

The incident at Cancun Airport underscores the importance of maintaining a calm and orderly environment in public spaces, especially in regions with a history of violence. It also serves as a reminder to authorities to provide clear and timely information to the public to prevent misinformation and alleviate concerns.

There was no evidence of gunshots, despite initial reports

On March 28, 2022, panic ensued at Cancun International Airport in Mexico after reports of gunshots. Videos posted on social media showed travelers rushing out of a terminal with their luggage. The National Guard was called in, and flights were suspended for almost three hours. However, despite the initial reports, there was no evidence of gunshots.

The National Guard and local authorities investigated the incident and found no evidence of gunfire or explosions. They concluded that the loud bangs were caused by three totem-style advertisement signposts that were accidentally knocked over by a passenger. Each signpost weighed approximately 50 kg (110 lb), and the sound of them falling created a loud noise that startled people in the terminal.

The US Embassy in Mexico urged Americans in the area to contact their relatives and inform them of their safety. The incident caused a brief stampede, with people seeking safety on the tarmac and buses transporting travelers to other parts of the airport. Several people appeared to suffer minor injuries from being trampled.

The panic also reflected the growing nervousness among tourists due to the recent wave of violence in Cancun and the surrounding areas. The Caribbean coast of Mexico, a popular tourist destination, had been facing increasing violence and drug-related gang confrontations.

In summary, while there were initial reports of gunshots at Cancun International Airport, no evidence of gunfire was found. The loud bangs were attributed to falling signposts, which caused a false alarm and triggered a rushed evacuation of the terminal. The incident highlights the tense atmosphere in the region due to escalating violence and the presence of rival cartel gangs.

The US Embassy urged Americans in Cancun to contact their families

On March 28, 2022, a loud noise triggered a stampede at the Cancun International Airport in Mexico. The noise was caused by someone knocking over a series of Totem-style signs, but many mistook it for gunshots. This caused panic among travellers, who rushed out of the terminal. Videos on social media showed people scrambling and running out of the airport terminal. The incident led to flight delays and suspensions.

The US Embassy in Mexico urged Americans in Cancun to contact their families through calls or social media to inform them of their safety and whereabouts. This was done to prevent chaos and ease concerns of relatives back home. The US State Department issued a statement, asking travellers to check in with their families.

The US government has previously issued warnings about travelling to Mexico due to "very high levels of COVID". In addition, there have been concerns about criminal activity and violence in popular tourist destinations, including Cancun. The US Consulate General Merida wrote a travel alert, reminding US citizens to "exercise increased caution" when travelling to the state of Quintana Roo.

The Caribbean coast of Mexico, particularly Yucatan and Quintana Roo, has long been a favourite vacation spot for international tourists. However, escalating violence and the presence of rival cartel gangs have impacted the region. In the months leading up to the airport incident, there were several murders committed by the Jalisco cartel in Cancun, with bodies found in vacant houses and lots.

The incident caused flight suspensions and delays

On 28 March 2022, a loud noise at Cancun International Airport in Mexico caused a stampede of tourists, who were frightened by what they thought were gunshots. Videos posted on social media showed travellers running out of the terminal with their luggage. The US State Department issued a statement for travellers to check in with their families. The US Embassy in Mexico also urged those in Cancun to contact their relatives.

The National Guard was called in to investigate the incident. They found no evidence of gunshots or explosions. Instead, they discovered that the loud noise was caused by three advertisement signposts that had been accidentally knocked over. Each signpost weighed approximately 50 kg (110 lb). The noise caused a rushed exit by airport users, with people spreading unconfirmed reports of gunshots, which activated emergency protocols and an evacuation of terminal three.

The incident reflects the wave of violence and deaths that have affected Cancun in recent years. The Caribbean coast, Mexico's top tourist destination, has been hit by rampant violence, with drug-related gang confrontations becoming an increasingly common occurrence. In the weeks leading up to the airport incident, authorities found evidence of 13 murders committed by the Jalisco cartel in Cancun since September 2021, with most of the bodies found in vacant houses and lots.

The event reflects the wave of violence that has blotted Cancun's reputation as a laid-back getaway

The nervousness and panic that ensued following the loud bangs at Cancun Airport reflect the wave of violence that has blotted the region's reputation as a laid-back getaway. While the bangs were caused by falling signboards, the panic that followed was understandable given the recent history of violence in the area.

In the weeks preceding the airport incident, authorities had found four bodies dumped in the undergrowth in Cancun, which were part of a total of 13 murders committed by the Jalisco cartel in the resort since September 2021. Most of the bodies were found in vacant houses and lots. This discovery highlighted the increasing violence in the region and the escalating conflict among rival cartel gangs, which had now reached tourist areas.

In October 2021, two Canadians were murdered near Cancun, with authorities attributing the acts to debts between rival arms and drug-dealing gangs. This incident was followed by another violent episode in Tulum, where a California blogger and a German tourist were caught in the crossfire of rival gangs and killed.

The Caribbean coast, Mexico's top tourist destination, has been plagued by rampant violence. Drug and weapons trafficking, as well as gang confrontations, have become a growing concern for the region's safety and security. The airport incident, though unrelated to these issues, underscores the heightened tension and fear that exist due to the wave of violence impacting Cancun and surrounding areas.

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