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DALLAS — Flights between DFW Airport and Guadalajara resumed Monday after a day of violence in the Mexican state of Jalisco forced widespread disruptions and left some travelers sheltering in place.
Even though the chaos was not widespread across Mexico, longtime Dynamic Travel Agency consultant Steve Cosgrove advised against travel to the entire country.
“I would stay out of Mexico completely right now. And I’m sorry to say that,” Cosgrove said. “I love the people. I love the destination. I love the food, but this is just not a good time to go down there.”
American Airlines operated a few flights in and out of Guadalajara on Monday, but many flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta were still canceled.
Major cruise lines continued sailing to Mexican destinations, though some itineraries were adjusted, including canceled stops in Puerto Vallarta and nearby ports.
The first flight from Guadalajara to DFW Airport landed Monday evening, after what was a roughly 24-hour suspension of air travel.
Alex Castro and his mother, Ivonne Aladapa, were passengers and were relieved to be home.
Aldapa moved here 30 years ago, but her mother several extended family members still live in Guadalajara.
Castro and Aldapa were on their way to the airport in Guadalajara Sunday when the violence broke out.
“It was pretty intense,” Castro said. “A lot of military, cars burning, stores on fire. A lot of chaos.”
He recorded videos on his phone of burned out buses and armed Mexican soldiers at gas stations.
A notification from American Airlines that their flight was canceled appeared just as they were trying to return their rental car.
They took shelter inside the rental car center for hours, until it felt safe to return to the family home where they spent one unexpected night locked down with their loved ones.
“Everything was very, very sad,” said Aldapa. “I’ve never seen my city like that.”
Mexican officials said the unrest stemmed from cartel retaliation after a military operation in Jalisco that took out an alleged cartel leader.
Texas shares more than 1,200 miles of border with Mexico.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced additional Department of Public Safety troopers and special forces would be deployed there to protect against any potential spillover of violence.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller suggested farmers and ranchers should postpone any trips across the border that are not absolutely necessary.
Airlines advise passengers to check directly with their carrier for the latest flight status and travel advisories before departing for Mexico or returning to the United States.
