Delta flight from Detroit to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, diverted due to "civil unrest," spokesperson says
A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from Detroit on Sunday was diverted to Alabama due to "civil unrest" in the region, according to a company spokesperson.
Violent clashes erupted in parts of western Mexico during a military operation that led to the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho" on Sunday.
The military operation took place in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico's Ministry of Defense said in a statement on X. It said he was wounded during the raid in the town of Tapalpa and died while being flown to Mexico City.
Delta flight 1901 left Detroit Metro Airport at 8:22 a.m. ET, according to FlightAware. A map of the Boeing 737's path shows it was around Nuevo Leon when it diverted to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
FlightAware said the flight landed in Birmingham at 2:18 p.m. ET.
"As safety comes before all else, Delta flight 1901 operating from DTW to PVR diverted to BHM as a result of the developing civil unrest in the area and eventual airport closure at PVR," the spokesperson said in a written statement. "We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels."
The spokesperson added that nearly all passengers were rebooked on a flight from Birmingham back to Detroit. According to FlightAware, Delta flight 9901 left Birmingham at 6:40 p.m. ET and landed at the Romulus-based airport at 9:16 p.m. ET.
A passenger on the flight that was diverted told CBS News Detroit, "I'm really trying to look at it with a glass half-full, to know that we're not there, because it would have been much worse if you were stranded at the airport."
As of Sunday evening, flights out of Puerto Vallarta International Airport are suspended, according to the carrier.
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan in a social media post urged state residents who are in Mexico to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Those who enroll can "accurately and quickly" be contacted by the U.S. Department of State in case of emergency, federal officials say.
The killing of the powerful drug lord triggered several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.
The U.S. State Department has released a security alert advising American citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, to shelter in place until further notice.
Metro Detroit woman stranded
A woman from Metro Detroit was on lockdown at a resort in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday night.
She told CBS News Detroit that she's been going to the area for several years and was scheduled to stay until Friday.
According to the woman, she and others around her don't know how to proceed, only that they are surrounded by destruction. She reported that a grocery store in the area was on fire Sunday and smoke was visible all around the hotel she's staying at.
"Currently, where we're staying is one of the safer areas at the moment, but they are saying they are going to start taking hostages, American hostages. So we've been told not to really do a whole lot," the woman, who wished to stay anonymous for her own safety, said. "It's a little hectic. It's a little crazy. I mean, I do have my kids and my family here. My in-laws are here. We have our whole family here. So, it's a lot for all of us to take in, but I mean, we feel safe where we are, so we're not overly worried."
