Mexico Amid Travel Pandemonium as VivaAerobus, Volaris, WestJet and others Face 35 Flight Cancellations and 478 Delays across Tijuana, Guadalajara, Cancún, Monterrey and more, New Update

Published on December 21, 2025

Flight operations across Mexico are currently facing a period of intense logistical strain. Significant disruptions have emerged at major hubs, including Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey. Travelers are experiencing a surge in schedule changes as both VivaAerobus and Volaris struggle to maintain regular service. The impact is particularly visible in Tijuana, where cancellations have left many passengers searching for alternative routes. Meanwhile, the coastal gateways of Cancún and San José del Cabo report hundreds of delays. These setbacks affect both domestic commuters and international vacationers. There’s a total of 35 flight cancellations and 478 delays reported. This report examines the data behind the current travel interference and provides clarity for those navigating the regional airspace. Passengers should remain alert and check their flight status frequently during this turbulent period.

Major Airports Affected

The logistical burden of these disruptions is distributed across six primary gateways in Mexico. The most acute concentration of cancellations was observed at General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport in Tijuana, where 18 flights were removed from the schedule and 35 delays were documented. This northern hub serves as a critical link for trans-border travel, making the high cancellation rate particularly impactful for those moving between the United States and the Mexican interior.

In Guadalajara, at Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, the focus shifted from cancellations to a high volume of delays. While 8 cancellations were reported, a significant 65 flights were delayed, creating substantial wait times within the terminal. Further east, the vacation hotspot of Cancún International Airport recorded the highest volume of total delays in the country. Although only 3 cancellations occurred, a massive 241 flights were delayed, affecting a vast number of international and domestic tourists.

In the nation’s capital, Lic. Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City saw a relatively low number of cancellations with only 2 flights cut, yet 56 delays were recorded, complicating the flow of the country’s busiest air traffic zone. Similarly, General Mariano Escobedo International Airport in Monterrey reported 2 cancellations and 22 delays. Finally, in the southern peninsula, San José del Cabo (Los Cabos International) mirrored this trend with 2 cancellations and 59 delays, marking a difficult day for travelers visiting the Baja California Sur region.

Impacted Airlines

The data reveals that the primary burden of these disruptions has been carried by two major Mexican carriers: VivaAerobus and Volaris. VivaAerobus appears to be the most broadly affected across the region, with its operations disrupted in Tijuana, Guadalajara, Cancún, Mexico City and Monterrey. In Tijuana alone, the airline faced 11 cancellations, while in Guadalajara, 5 cancellations and 8 delays were attributed to their fleet.

Volaris also faced significant hurdles, particularly regarding schedule punctuality. In Guadalajara, the airline recorded a staggering 50 delays, while in Tijuana, it managed 7 cancellations and 29 delays. The combined impact on these two carriers represents the majority of the domestic travel pandemonium currently being experienced by passengers.

International carriers were not entirely exempt from these challenges. In Cancún, United Airlines was noted for 1 cancellation and 32 delays, suggesting that the bottleneck in the Caribbean hub affected more than just local operators. Additionally, in San José del Cabo, the Canadian carrier WestJet was identified as the primary affected airline, with 2 cancellations and 8 delays reported for the day.

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like AeroMéxico, American Airlines, Southwest, Frontier, Delta Air Lines and more.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The disruption of 35 flights and nearly 500 delays is expected to have a tangible impact on the local tourism economies of the affected regions. In Cancún and San José del Cabo, where the local economy is almost entirely dependent on the timely arrival of international and domestic visitors, such extensive delays can lead to missed hotel reservations, shortened tour itineraries and a general decrease in consumer spending at local establishments.

In Mexico City and Guadalajara, which serve as major business hubs, the delays likely resulted in missed meetings and professional disruptions. The situation in Tijuana is unique given its role as a gateway; cancellations here often result in travelers being stuck on either side of the border, increasing the demand for last-minute local accommodation. Furthermore, in Monterrey, the industrial heart of the north, flight delays can slow down the movement of personnel essential to the city’s manufacturing sectors. While the long-term impact on tourism may be recovered, the immediate frustration of 478 delayed flights creates a negative impression of travel reliability during this period.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently caught in the travel disruptions across Mexico, specific steps should be taken to ensure their rights are protected and their travel plans are salvaged. Passengers are encouraged to utilize the mobile applications of their respective airlines—be it VivaAerobus, Volaris, or others—to receive the most real-time updates on gate changes and revised departure times.

In cases of cancellations in cities like Tijuana or Guadalajara, passengers should immediately inquire about rebooking options. Most airlines are obligated to offer the next available flight or a full refund if the cancellation is within the airline’s control. For those experiencing the lengthy delays seen in Cancún or San José del Cabo, it is advisable to keep all receipts for food, water and communication expenses, as these may be reimbursable depending on the duration of the delay and the airline’s specific policy.

Travelers in Mexico City and Monterrey should also check if their travel insurance covers “trip delay” or “trip interruption,” which can provide compensation for unexpected hotel stays or missed connections. As the situation remains fluid, maintaining a direct line of communication with airline customer service representatives is the most effective way to navigate the current disruption and ensure a safe arrival at their final destination.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.