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Canadian Tourists Stranded in Mexico Amid Airline Chaos

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 22:27 GMT by The Globe and Mail
      Locales: CANADA, MEXICO

Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - February 24th, 2026 - Thousands of Canadian tourists are currently stranded in Mexico, facing significant difficulties securing flights home amidst widespread airline cancellations and escalating safety concerns. Despite growing pressure from opposition parties and travel industry professionals, the federal government has firmly stated it will not be organizing evacuation flights to assist those affected.

The situation is particularly acute in popular resort destinations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, where Canadians report experiencing lengthy delays, rapidly increasing flight prices - with some reporting costs exceeding $3,000 CAD for a single seat - and a general lack of support from airlines. Social media is flooded with accounts from frustrated travelers, detailing missed connections, cancelled bookings, and the financial strain of extending their stays.

Global Affairs Canada acknowledges the distress faced by Canadians in Mexico but maintains its position of advising individuals to "make arrangements with airlines or consider charter flights." A spokesperson released a statement confirming the government's decision against providing organized repatriation flights, stating, "The government of Canada is not providing evacuation flights." This stance represents a significant shift in policy, diverging from previous interventions, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Ottawa actively arranged and funded repatriation flights for citizens stranded globally.

The rationale behind this change, according to government sources, is a claim that providing such assistance isn't the role of the federal government under normal circumstances. This argument is being widely contested, with critics pointing to the unique combination of widespread disruption and existing travel advisories as creating conditions far from 'normal'. They argue the government has a duty of care to protect its citizens, especially when faced with systemic failures within the travel industry.

Conservative MP James Baker has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the government's inaction as "frankly unacceptable." He stated, "Leaving Canadians to fend for themselves in this situation is a dereliction of duty. These aren't just holidaymakers; many are families with young children, seniors on fixed incomes, and individuals with urgent medical needs." The New Democratic Party has also weighed in, demanding an immediate review of the government's crisis response protocols.

While the government remains steadfast in its refusal to offer direct assistance, some resourceful Canadians have begun exploring self-organized charter flights. However, these initiatives face significant hurdles. Chartering an aircraft requires a substantial number of participants to make it financially viable, and collecting sufficient funds and coordinating logistics amongst a dispersed group of stranded travelers proves challenging. Many individuals are also concerned about the legitimacy of third-party charter operators appearing online offering services.

The underlying causes of the disruption are multifaceted. The airline industry continues to grapple with lingering issues stemming from the pandemic, including persistent staffing shortages across all roles - from pilots and cabin crew to ground handling and maintenance. Recent months have also seen a surge in weather-related disruptions, impacting flight schedules across North America. However, contributing significantly to the current crisis are growing safety concerns within Mexico itself.

The Canadian government currently maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for Mexico, urging Canadians to "exercise a high degree of caution" due to prevalent crime and security risks. While this advisory has been in place for some time, recent increases in cartel activity and reports of petty theft and violent crime targeting tourists have heightened anxieties. This has led to increased scrutiny of airport security and a general sense of unease amongst travelers.

Travel agents are reporting a surge in calls from distressed clients seeking assistance, but their options are limited. Many are actively working with airlines to rebook flights, but availability is scarce. "We're doing everything we can," says Sarah Chen, a travel agent with SunSeeker Holidays, "but the situation is beyond our control. We need the government to step up and provide some form of assistance."

The long-term implications of this crisis remain to be seen. Experts predict it could significantly impact Canadian tourism to Mexico, with travelers potentially opting for safer and more reliable destinations. Furthermore, the government's handling of the situation is likely to fuel ongoing debate about its responsibilities towards citizens abroad and the adequacy of its crisis management strategies. The coming days will be critical as stranded Canadians desperately seek a way home and the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its position.