Aussies heading to Mexico have been urged to reconsider their travel plans after the death of a notorious drug cartel leader sparked gang violence and airport chaos.
Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, who was Mexico's most wanted man and the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel, was killed during a security operation in the state of Jalisco.
It prompted a wave of unrest, with roadblocks, vehicles and businesses set alight and tourists scrambling for cover amid violent outbreaks near Guadalajara airport, where many domestic and international flights have been cancelled.
Authorities in the popular tourist hub Puerto Vallarta also issued a public advisory urging people to remain indoors, where thick plumes of smoke have been spotted rising above the coastline.
Routes to Puerto Vallarta Airport have been blocked, but the airport remains open, despite dozens of flights being cancelled or rescheduled.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) this week updated its travel advice for Mexico, urging Aussie tourists to exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of violent crime, including kidnapping and extortion.
'Serious security incidents have been reported across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime,' the Smarttraveller website states.
'Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to shelter in place. There may be transport disruptions, including by air. Stay alert and follow the advice of the local authorities.'
Aussies heading to Mexico have been urged to reconsider their travel plans after the death of a notorious drug cartel leader (Playa del Carmen is pictured)
A wave of violence has erupted in Mexico, where many vehicles have been torched
Tourists in the popular holiday hotspot Puerto Vallarta (pictured) are urged to stay indoors
Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico, including Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon.
'We continue to advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime,' Smarttraveller added.
'We also continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Sonora, Colima and Chiapas.'
Australians requiring emergency consular assistance should contact DFAT's 24/7 consular emergency centre.
About 9,432 Australians visited Mexico in 2023, according to government figures.
Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur is among of host of high-profile players currently in Mexico for upcoming tournaments.
Photos posted to his Instagram account in recent days show the Aussie playing golf and training on the court in Acapulco.
'In most of the national territory activities are happening with absolute normalcy,' President Claudia Sheinbaum said.
Aussie tennis star Alex de Minaur is among of host of high-profile players currently in Mexico for upcoming tournaments (he is pictured in Acapulco)
The drug cartel leader's death prompted a wave of unrest across the country, with roadblocks, vehicles and business set alight and tourists scrambling for cover amid violent outbreaks
The violence broke out just months out from the FIFA World Cup, which Mexico is co-hosting with the United States.
Guadalajara is one of several cities that will host matches.
