As the Spring Break 2026 season kicks into high gear, travelers are raising serious questions about safety in Quintana Roo following the reported death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” While the “Tourist Bubble” remains open, the state is currently under a major security reinforcement. In this video, we break down the latest news, the U.S. Embassy alerts, and the current status of the Cancun Airport so you can stay safe during your vacation.
What you need to know right now:
- Security Deployment: Over 10,000 federal troops (Guardia Nacional and Navy) have been deployed to “shield” Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. This is a preventive measure to ensure stability during the 2026 travel season.
- U.S. Embassy Alert: On February 22, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for Quintana Roo. While the “Shelter in Place” suggestion was temporary, travelers are still urged to exercise “Increased Caution” (Level 2 Advisory).
- Cancun Airport (CUN) Status: The airport is OPEN, but flight operations are not back to 100%. Major airlines including Delta, American Airlines, and Aeroméxico have reported delays and preventive cancellations due to logistical security shifts.
- Road Safety: Avoid inter-city travel at night. While the Hotel Zone is highly secured, secondary roads and highways have seen increased checkpoints and occasional roadblocks.
Is it safe to travel for Spring Break? The resort areas of the Hotel Zone and Costa Mujeres are currently the most protected zones in Mexico. However, the situation remains fluid. If you are arriving this week, we recommend:
- Checking flight status 6 hours before departure.
- Staying within resort grounds and avoiding downtown “Regions” at night.
- Enrolling in the STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for real-time Embassy updates.
