Puerto Vallarta (PVDN) – According to Susana Rodríguez Mejía, a representative of the state government, the recent anti-verification blockade caused significant disruptions to air travel. The protest and road blockade on Puerto Vallarta’s most important highway resulted in the cancellation of 32 flights and affected more than 600 people. The Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), which operates the airport terminal, provided data to support these claims.
Mejía explained that 682 tourists were unable to reach their flights due to the blockade, which also caused the cancellation of 32 flights. She expressed concern about the impact of these disruptions on the tourism industry, saying that international certifications are needed to attract more visitors. The cancellations and delays caused additional expenses and inconvenience for passengers, including those traveling on domestic Volaris flights.
Mejía emphasized that the negative experiences of affected passengers could have a lasting impact on the reputation of the destination. Overall, the anti-verification blockade had significant consequences for air travel and the tourism industry in the affected area.
The government claims the protests against a new law requiring emissions tests for cars were fueled by mechanics who used the previous verification system for corruption by selling verification stickers to car owners without giving the proper inspections. The government claims these mechanics who used the old verification system to benefit themselves spread misinformation to the public to create protests in hopes of changing back to the previous system that was easier to manipulate and line the pockets of dishonest auto mechanics.
The state has declared the protests had failed and that the new verification law will not be suspended and fines for cars without inspection will begin.
