Hurricane Simon made landfall on Mexico’s Pacific Coast near Puerto Vallarta on 10 October 2026 as a Category 4 storm, forcing the closure of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and causing widespread flight cancellations across the region.
What Happened
PVR closed at 18:00 local time on 10 October as Simon approached with sustained winds of around 215 km/h. The airport issued a provisional reopening time of 08:00 on 12 October, though airlines began contacting affected passengers before that to offer rebooking or refunds on cancelled flights.
The storm disrupted services at more than one Pacific coast airport. Conditions on the ground - flooding, debris on roads, and power outages in parts of the city - meant that even after the airport reopened, reaching it safely required checking local conditions first.
Who Is Affected
Travellers holding flights into or out of Puerto Vallarta between 10 and 12 October are the primary group affected. Airlines operating the route - including American, United, WestJet, Volaris, and Aeromexico - issued travel waivers allowing passengers to rebook or cancel without fees. Check directly with your carrier for the current policy.
If your travel insurance policy covers natural disaster disruption, now is the time to read the small print. See our travel insurance guide for Mexico for what to look for in a policy and what documentation airlines will typically need.
Checking Before You Travel
Even after PVR resumed operations, roads into the city and the coastal strip north and south of Puerto Vallarta had potential debris or localised closures. Check with your accommodation before assuming conditions are fully normal.
Our Puerto Vallarta guide has hotel and neighbourhood information to help if your original accommodation plans changed as a result of the storm.
Mexico’s Hurricane Season
Hurricane Simon is a reminder that Mexico’s Pacific coast sits squarely in the eastern Pacific hurricane belt. The season runs June through November, with peak activity typically in September and October. Our Mexico hurricane season guide explains the full risk window, which destinations are most exposed, and how to plan around it.
Current Status
As of 12 October, Puerto Vallarta airport had provisionally resumed operations. Airlines were working through a backlog of rebookings. Passengers travelling to or from Puerto Vallarta in the coming days should:
- Confirm flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport
- Allow extra time as ground operations stabilise after the closure
- Check road and local conditions with their hotel or accommodation provider