Passenger attacks cabin crew, attempts to hijack plane to US. Viral video from Mexico

Volaris has released a statement on the incident. (Image: @volarisglobal/Facebook)

In a dramatic turn of events on Sunday morning, a domestic Mexican flight bound for Tijuana was forced to make an emergency landing in Guadalajara after a passenger attempted to hijack the plane and divert it toward the United States. The swift response of the flight crew averted a potential disaster, according to a statement by Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).

The suspect, a 31-year-old Mexican national identified as Mario, reportedly attacked a flight attendant and attempted to breach the cockpit. The incident occurred aboard Volaris flight 3041, which had originally departed from El Bajío airport in León, New York Post reported.

Authorities stated that Mario claimed one of his family members had been kidnapped and that he had received death threats, warning him against traveling to Tijuana.

The onboard crew restrained the suspect while the pilot issued an alert code. The plane made an unscheduled landing at Guadalajara International Airport, where Mario was handed over to authorities.

31-year-old man arrested Sunday trying to hijack a plane in Mexico and divert it to US.Flight was bound for Tijuana when a Mexican man attacked a flight attendant and tried to storm the cockpit.He says he was threatened about traveling to Tijuana.pic.twitter.com/R3GdoqyAzy Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) December 9, 2024

Although it remains unclear whether Mario was armed, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.

Following the incident, the remaining passengers and crew continued their journey to Tijuana without further complications. In a statement, Volaris assured that all safety measures had been adhered to, adding: "All passengers, crew and aircraft are safe. Volaris regrets the inconvenience this situation has caused. For Volaris, the safety of our passengers and crew is a top priority."

The airline also declared its intent to pursue legal action against the suspect to ensure he faces "the full weight of the law."