Number of Canadians registered in Mexico rises as airlines resume flights

More than 61,000 Canadians in Mexico had registered with Global Affairs Canada by 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, and several Canadian airlines resumed flights to and from Puerto Vallarta after weekend disruptions.

More than 61,000 Canadians in Mexico had registered with Global Affairs Canada as of 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, and that number rose sharply over several days after security incidents in parts of Mexico. Airlines resumed flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and other western Mexican destinations on Tuesday after temporarily suspending service over the weekend. Global Affairs Canada said its registration system has been slow and intermittent because of an "unprecedented" high volume of registrations. The department is addressing the technical issue while working with airlines and consular staff on the ground. Key details: - As of 5 p.m. ET Tuesday, more than 61,000 Canadians in Mexico had registered with Global Affairs Canada; the count rose from about 18,000 on Sunday, to 26,305 Monday morning, and 55,000 Tuesday morning. - The registration total includes about 16,600 people in Jalisco state, which is home to the resort destination Puerto Vallarta. - Global Affairs Canada said the registration system is slow and intermittent due to an "unprecedented" high volume and that email confirmations may be delayed. - Violence occurred in multiple parts of Mexico after the Mexican Army killed a drug cartel leader in a mountain town about 400 kilometres east of Puerto Vallarta, with reports of highways blocked and vehicles set on fire. - Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, Porter and Flair announced they were resuming or planning to resume flights to Puerto Vallarta and other western Mexican cities. - Global Affairs Canada said it is coordinating with airlines, advised people in affected areas to limit movements and to travel to the airport only if they have a confirmed flight and it is safe to do so, and continues to advise avoiding non-essential travel to more than a dozen Mexican states. Summary: The rapid rise in registrations reflects large numbers of Canadians in Mexico and heightened concern after weekend security incidents, while major Canadian carriers have begun restoring service to Puerto Vallarta and nearby cities. Global Affairs Canada said it is addressing registration-system delays and coordinating with airlines as conditions evolve. Undetermined at this time.