Is Puerto Vallarta Safe Feb 25, 2026: Airport & Business Owners Statement

FL | ND: Puerto Vallarta Safety Update

DATE: February 25, 2026 | STATUS: Open & Operational

Following the Feb 22 incident, LGBTQ+ business leaders have issued a unified statement:

• Safety: No reports of injuries to civilians or visitors.
• Integrity: Beware of false social media images; the situation was contained in hours.
• Logistics: Airport, Malecón, and Zona Romántica are fully open.
• Outlook: Pride preparations continue for May.

“We are here, we are open, and we welcome you with open arms.”

Following this past Sunday’s events, we want to share an update with our community and visitors from around the world with openness and transparency.

Some of the images circulating on social media were understandably alarming – and in many cases false. In times like this, information and misinformation can spread quickly. Therefore, we want to communicate clearly – there are no reports of injuries to civilian residents or visitors in Puerto Vallarta, and the situation was brought under control within hours.

Today, Puerto Vallarta is open for business. Roads are clear, the airport is operating normally, and our shops, beaches, and neighborhoods are welcoming guests. Life on the Malecón and in the Zona Romántica continue with the energy that defines us.

But beyond the operational aspects, we want to speak from the heart.

Puerto Vallarta is not just a destination; it is our home. It is a refuge. Whether we were born here or came from elsewhere, we are united by what this city represents: openness, generosity, and the freedom to live fully and proudly.

What defines this city – long recognized as one of Mexico’s most welcoming and safe destinations – is not a single day, but the way people from all backgrounds respond: united, supportive, and looking out for one another.

This weekend, hotel teams, vacation rental hosts, restaurant staff, merchants, and neighbors came together to support each other and our visitors.

We remain committed to what matters most: that every person who visits us feels safe, welcome, and celebrated just as they are.

The season continues with great energy, and we eagerly anticipate celebrating Vallarta Pride together in May, a moment that embodies Pride, resilience and love.

We are here. We are open. And we welcome you with open arms.

Después de los acontecimientos del pasado domingo 22 de febrero, queremos dirigirnos con cercanía y transparencia a nuestra comunidad y a quienes nos visitan desde distintas partes del mundo.

Entendemos que algunas imágenes que circularon en redes sociales pudieron generar preocupación. En momentos así, la información puede amplificarse rápidamente. Por ello, queremos comunicar con claridad: no hubo reportes de residentes ni visitantes lesionados en Puerto Vallarta, y la situación fue atendida y controlada en cuestión de horas.

Hoy, Puerto Vallarta está de pie, abierto y vibrante. Las vialidades están operando con normalidad, el aeropuerto funciona regularmente, nuestras playas reciben el sol de siempre y la vida en el Malecón y en Zona Romántica continúa con esa energía que nos distingue.

Pero más allá de la operación, queremos hablar desde el corazón.

Puerto Vallarta no es solo un destino. Es hogar.
Es refugio.
Es un espacio donde generaciones de personas LGBTQ+ han encontrado libertad, comunidad y celebración.

Lo que define a esta ciudad — reconocida durante años como uno de los destinos más hospitalarios y seguros de México — no es un día aislado, sino la manera en que su gente responde: unidos, solidarios y cuidándonos unos a otros.

Este fin de semana vimos algo que reafirma quiénes somos: Equipos hoteleros, anfitriones, restauranteros, comerciantes y vecinos trabajando juntos para apoyar a visitantes y residentes. Esa es la esencia de nuestra comunidad.

Seguimos comprometidos con lo más importante: que cada persona que nos visita se sienta segura, bienvenida y celebrada tal como es.

La temporada continúa con gran energía y esperamos con entusiasmo celebrar juntos el Vallarta Pride en mayo, un momento que representa orgullo, resiliencia y amor.

Estamos aquí. Estamos abiertos. Y los recibimos con los brazos abiertos.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe right now?

Yes. Following the February 22, 2026 incident, the violence only lasted during the day on Sunday. There have been no reported injuries to residents or visitors, and Puerto Vallarta is currently operating normally.

What happened in Puerto Vallarta on February 22, 2026?

Members of the New Generation Cartel retaliated upon news of the death of their leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, by attacking buildings  vehicles and busses with explosives. This caused officials to release a “Code Red” shelter at home order caused by building and vehicle fires and road blockages.

Is the Puerto Vallarta airport open now?

Yes. The PVR airport is fully operational, roads are clear, and hotels, restaurants, and businesses are open. There are no current disruptions affecting tourism or visitor movement.

Is the Zona Romántica safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Yes. The Zona Romántica remains open with normal activity across hotels, nightlife, and local businesses. The only exception is any businesses burned out during the Sunday attack.

Are gay businesses, beaches and nightlife open in Puerto Vallarta?

Yes. Puerto Vallarta gay businesses including in the Zona Romantica and the Malecón, beaches and beach clubs and restaurants, and gay nightlife venues are all open and operating as usual.

Should travelers cancel or change their Puerto Vallarta plans?

There is no current reason to cancel travel plans based on the recent incident. The destination remains stable, welcoming, and fully operational, with the tourism season continuing as expected.