Lois Larson
On January 5, 2023, violent clashes between cartel members and security forces in Culiacan, Mexico, erupted following the arrest of a son of the notorious drug kingpin, El Chapo. This sparked a chain of events that led to the closure of several airports in the region, including the Cancun International Airport. The cartel members set up roadblocks, burned vehicles, and even attacked a local airport, where an Aeroméxico E190 plane was hit by gunfire during takeoff, forcing it to abort its flight. This incident brought attention to the growing issue of drug cartel violence in Mexico and its impact on the country's airports and tourism industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Ambush | 5 January 2023 |
| Location | Culiacan |
| Reason | Detention of El Chapo's son |
| Result | Violence spread across Sinoloa state, airports closed |
| Airports Closed | MMCL/Culiacan, MMMZ/Mazatlan, MMCN/Ciudad Obregon, MMLM/Los Michos |
| Other Incidents | Shootout near luxury hotels in Cancun, bodies found near beach in hotel zone |
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What You'll Learn
Drug cartel violence in Cancun
Drug cartel-related violence has been a growing issue in Mexico for years, and the country's drug war is considered one of the most violent conflicts globally. Cartel conflicts have spread to tourist areas like Cancun, previously considered safe.
In 2023, there were reports of a cartel ambush at Cancun Airport, with violence spreading across the Caribbean coast state. Bodies of victims were found in clandestine body dumping grounds near the beach in the city's hotel zone. This violence was linked to the fight between drug cartels battling for control of the region and its drug trade. The ambush caused several airports to shut down, including MMCL/Culiacan, where an Aeroméxico E190 was shot at during takeoff.
The Mexican government has issued precautionary alerts for travellers to Cancun, and the US State Department warned tourists to "exercise increased situational awareness", especially after dark. Despite these warnings, tourists continue to flock to Mexico's Caribbean coast, with foreign tourist spending increasing by 10% from 2022 to 2023.
In 2024, suspected cartel members abducted seven Mexican immigration agents at gunpoint near Cancun Airport. The agents were threatened with death unless they allowed migrants to be smuggled through the airport. Additionally, Mexican police arrested six members of a drug gang that killed and dismembered five people in Cancun, with three other victims dumped in a shallow grave.
The violence in Cancun is attributed to the conflict between several major cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, the Gulf Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the Grupo Regional. The battle between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has been a significant contributor to the country's violence.
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Shootings near luxury hotels
In recent years, Mexico has become increasingly unsafe due to drug cartel-related violence. In 2023, several precautionary alerts were issued by Mexican authorities regarding tourist cities, including Cancun, following violent clashes between cartel members and security forces.
Cancun, with its massive airport handling around 30 million passengers per year, has long been a hub for smuggling US-bound migrants into Mexico. The city's hotel zone and resorts, once considered safe, have witnessed increased conflict between drug cartels vying for control of the Caribbean coast's drug trade. This has resulted in bodies being found in clandestine dumping grounds near beaches and luxury hotels.
On November 5, 2021, a beach near the Azul Beach Resort and the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun, popular luxury hotels in Cancun, became the site of a deadly shootout between rival drug gangs. Two suspected drug dealers were executed by a commando of gunmen from a competing gang. The incident caused panic among foreign tourists, who sought cover in the upscale hotels. One of the victims fled into one of the hotels before succumbing to his injuries, while the other was killed on the beach.
The shootout in Puerto Morelos came just two weeks after a similar incident in Tulum, where a California travel blogger and a German tourist were killed in crossfire. This beach showdown underscores the dangers faced by tourists caught in the crossfire of battles between rival cartels, which often target rival dealers to eliminate competition and dominate the drug trade in the region.
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Kidnapping of Mexican immigration agents
On 5 January 2023, violent clashes broke out between cartel members and security forces in Culiacan, Mexico, following the arrest of a son of the notorious drug kingpin "El Chapo". The violence rapidly spread across the state of Sinaloa as cartel members barricaded roads, burned vehicles, and even fired bullets into two planes at an airport. Several airports in the region were forced to close due to the ongoing clashes.
The turbulence in the region, including in the popular tourist destination of Cancun, led to increased precautionary alerts and restrictions for travellers. This marked a shift from the previously held notion of Mexico, and Cancun specifically, as a safe and secure destination for tourists. The situation in Cancun was further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between drug cartels vying for control of the Caribbean coast and its lucrative drug trade. Bodies of victims were found in clandestine body dumping grounds near beach resorts, and there were reports of shootings near upscale hotels that sent foreign tourists scrambling for cover.
In March 2022, a loud noise triggered a stampede at Cancun's international airport, causing panic and scattering of passports, boarding passes, and personal belongings. While the cause of the noise was not specified, it occurred amidst heightened tensions and concerns over safety standards at Mexican airports.
In a separate incident in November 2021, two suspected drug dealers were killed in a beach showdown near luxury hotels in Cancun. The incident involved rival cartels vying for control of the drug trade in the area, and it sent tourists scrambling for cover. This was not an isolated event, as two weeks prior, a California travel blogger and a German tourist were killed in a similar shootout in the beach town of Tulum.
In March 2024, suspected drug cartel members abducted seven Mexican immigration agents at gunpoint near Cancun's airport. This mass kidnapping highlighted the involvement of Mexican cartels and criminal gangs in migrant smuggling and kidnapping. The agents were held in a house in the Caribbean resort city until they were freed by federal forces, including marines, the National Guard, and local police, who engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle. The agents reported that the gunmen threatened to kill them unless they allowed migrants to be smuggled through the airport and other parts of the coastal state of Quintana Roo. This incident marked the first mass abduction of immigration agents in Mexico.
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Tourist safety in Cancun
Firstly, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks and take necessary precautions. While the Mexican government has implemented robust security measures to protect tourists, it is always advisable to stay vigilant and follow local authorities' advisories.
One of the main concerns in Cancun has been the presence of drug cartels and gang-related violence. In 2023, there were reports of clashes between cartel members and security forces, which led to increased alerts and precautionary measures in the region. However, it is worth noting that these incidents are not targeted at tourists, and such occurrences are relatively rare.
To ensure a safe trip, it is recommended to stick to well-known tourist zones, such as the Hotel Zone, which has a strong police presence and amenities. These areas are generally safer and better equipped to handle tourists. Additionally, it is advisable to use common sense, such as being aware of your surroundings, not displaying valuables, and avoiding isolated areas.
Cancun's airport, the second busiest in Mexico, has also been the site of cartel-related incidents. The airport is a hub for smuggling migrants, and there have been reports of abductions and confrontations with authorities. However, the Mexican government has taken steps to enhance security at the airport, and it is generally considered safe for travellers.
When it comes to transportation, it is recommended to arrange private transfers or use reputable bus services like ADO for travel between the airport and popular tourist destinations like PDC and Tulum.
Overall, while Cancun has experienced some safety issues, it remains a popular and relatively safe destination for tourists. By staying vigilant, following local advisories, and taking common-sense precautions, travellers can minimise their risks and have a safe and enjoyable experience in Cancun.
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Cartel ambush at Felipe Angeles Airport
Mexico has long been a destination for drug cartels and criminal gangs involved in migrant smuggling and kidnapping. In recent years, the country has witnessed a surge in cartel-related violence, with several airports becoming targets of attacks.
On January 5, 2023, violent clashes erupted between cartel members and security forces in Culiacan following the arrest of a son of the notorious drug kingpin, El Chapo. The violence rapidly spread across Sinaloa state, with cartel members setting up roadblocks, burning vehicles, and even attacking an airport. During the clashes, an Aeroméxico E190 plane was shot at during takeoff, forcing the flight to be aborted. The aircraft sustained damage, with one bullet penetrating its tail. This incident marked a significant escalation of tensions and had widespread impacts on air travel in the region, with multiple airports forced to shut down temporarily.
The Felipe Angeles Airport has been associated with increased airspace complexity since its opening. The government has implemented measures to address the issues, including reducing capacity at the Mexico City airport to revive security conditions.
Additionally, Cancun International Airport, Mexico's second busiest airport, has also been a site of cartel-related incidents. In March 2022, a loud noise triggered a stampede at the airport, causing panic among passengers. While the specific cause of the noise remains unclear, the incident underscores the heightened tensions and the potential for cartel-related activities to disrupt travel.
Moreover, in November 2021, a beach near luxury hotels in Cancun became the site of a deadly shootout between rival drug gangs. Two suspected drug dealers were killed, and foreign tourists were caught in the crossfire, seeking cover in the upscale hotels. This incident highlights the dangers posed by cartel violence to innocent bystanders and the potential for it to spill over into areas frequented by tourists.
The Mexican authorities have issued precautionary alerts and implemented measures to enhance security at airports and tourist destinations. However, the ongoing conflict between drug cartels fighting for control of the Caribbean coast and its drug trade continues to pose challenges and risks to travellers and residents alike.
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Frequently asked questions
On 5 January 2023, there were violent clashes between cartel members and security forces in Culiacan, which spread across the Sinoloa state. Cartel members set up roadblocks, set fire to vehicles, and attacked a local airport, where two planes were hit by gunfire.
Several airports in the region were forced to shut down, including MMCL/Culiacan, where an Aeroméxico E190 was shot at during takeoff and had to abort its flight.
The violence was sparked by the detention of El Chapo's son, a notorious drug kingpin.
Travellers should exercise increased caution and adhere to any restrictions or advisories in place. It is recommended to pre-arrange transportation and accommodation and to check for any airspace closures or fuel changes affecting travel routes.
