A passenger on a domestic Mexican flight attempted to forcefully divert the plane to the United States on Sunday, according to a statement by Volaris Airlines.
The Airbus A320 had departed from León, Guanajuato, when the passenger, identified only as Mario, reportedly assaulted a flight attendant and tried to enter the cockpit to divert the plane. Crew members managed to restrain him and issued an alert, prompting an emergency diversion to Guadalajara in central Mexico. Authorities took the man into custody upon landing.
Volaris confirmed that all passengers and crew were unharmed. After the incident, the remaining passengers continued their journey to Tijuana, a border city near San Diego, California.
Mexico’s Secretariat of Civilian Protection stated the passenger claimed he had been threatened after takeoff, alleging that a close relative had been kidnapped and would be killed if he proceeded to Tijuana.
The state of Guanajuato, where the flight originated, has been severely affected by cartel-related violence, including kidnapping and extortion.
Volaris urged authorities to ensure the passenger faces legal consequences for the incident.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in regions like Guanajuato, where organized crime has escalated in recent years. Authorities have yet to confirm the details of the passenger’s claims, including the alleged kidnapping threat that reportedly triggered his actions. Investigations are expected to focus on verifying these statements and understanding whether the man acted under duress or posed a separate threat to the flight.
The attempted hijacking underscores the critical role of airline crew training in handling in-flight emergencies. Volaris praised the crew for their quick and professional response, which ensured the safety of all on board and prevented the situation from escalating further.
Authorities in Guadalajara and Mexico’s federal aviation bodies are expected to release further updates as investigations progress. Meanwhile, security measures at airports serving high-risk areas like Guanajuato may come under review to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The attempted diversion also raises concerns about the broader impact of cartel violence on public safety and infrastructure in Mexico, particularly as criminal activity increasingly intersects with civilian life.
