TORONTO — Air Canada, WestJet and Porter Airlines are among the many airlines that have temporarily cancelled or diverted flights into Puerto Vallarta amid an outbreak of violence by criminal groups.

PVR is reportedly closed and some flights enroute to Puerto Vallarta have turned around mid-flight, as the resort destination deals with road blocks, burning vehicles and more criminal activity. U.S. airlines including Delta and United have also suspended flights into PVR. There are also reports of violence at Guadalajara (GDL).

WestJet, Air Canada, Flair, Air Transat and Porter Airlines have all cancelled or diverted flights to the area.

In a statement to wire service The Canadian Press, WestJet said it has diverted seven flights enroute to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled 24 flights to and from the city, as well nearby Guadalajara and Manzanillo.

“As conditions evolve, additional cancellations may be required to ensure the safety of everyone,” said WestJet.

Air Transat said in a statement that its Sunday flights had been rescheduled to Monday, adding it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates.

UPDATED WARNING FROM GLOBAL AFFAIRS CANADA

The news comes as the Canadian government this afternoon posted an updated travel advisory for Jalisco: “Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta. There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions. A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice.”

The federal government’s updated advisory adds: “If you are in Jalisco State: keep a low profile; monitor local and international media to stay informed of the rapidly evolving situation; follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place.”

AIRLINE CANCELLATIONS

Air Canada posted this message on social media this afternoon: “Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting [PVR], Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue.”

Air Canada says customers are advised not to attempt to go to the airport unless their flight is shown as operating, on aircanada.com. Passengers will be directly notified of changes to their itineraries, adds Air Canada. “We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.”

Air Canada has triggered its flexible rebooking policy for PVR for Feb. 23, Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. More details can be found here.

WestJet has also activated its rebooking policy for Puerto Vallarta, as well as for Guadalajara and Manzanillo, for Feb. 22, Feb. 23 and Feb. 24; click here.

Porter’s rebooking policy for Puerto Vallarta covers Feb. 22, Feb. 23, Feb. 24 and Feb. 25; click here.

With file from The Canadian Press