Passengers aboard a Volaris flight over Mexico confronted a dramatic situation when a man allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft, demanding it be diverted to the United States.
The flight had originally departed from El Bajío and was en route to Tijuana, but the suspect, identified as Mario, reportedly insisted the plane head to San Diego.
Video footage captured the tense moments as passengers restrained the man while others screamed, cried, and pleaded for him not to open the aircraft’s door.
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According to witnesses, the incident began when the suspect grabbed a flight attendant and tried to seize the door handle.
He allegedly threatened to jump to his death and take the crew member with him.
Amid the chaos, a brave passenger intervened, aiding the flight crew in subduing the man.
He was traveling with his wife and children at the time.
The unfolding crisis forced the pilot to make an emergency landing in Guadalajara, where authorities removed the suspect from the plane and arrested him on December 8.
In a statement, a Volaris spokesperson confirmed the incident, explaining: “On flight 3041, covering the route from El Bajío to Tijuana, a passenger attempted, using force, to divert the plane to the United States.”
The spokesperson praised the crew’s swift response, noting they followed established safety procedures and diverted the flight to Guadalajara in accordance with protocol.
The airline emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice, stating: “Volaris has been constituted as an accusing party to ensure that [the suspect] faces the full weight of the law, until its last consequences.”
They reassured travelers that all passengers, crew, and the aircraft were unharmed during the ordeal.
Following the arrest, arrangements were made for the remaining passengers to continue their journey to Tijuana.
The spokesperson added: “Volaris regrets the inconvenience caused by this situation.
For Volaris, the safety of our passengers and crews is the top priority.”
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SOURCE: Terrifying moment passengers wrestle with ‘plane hijacker’ who wanted to divert plane to US
