Flying is one of the safest modes of transportation, but even the best-prepared crews occasionally face unexpected challenges.
On Sunday, a Volaris flight from León to Tijuana became the scene of a midair scare when a passenger tried to hijack the plane. Thanks to the crew’s quick thinking and teamwork, a crisis was averted.
Shortly after takeoff, the 31-year-old man reportedly assaulted a flight attendant and tried to break into the cockpit. He demanded the flight be diverted to the United States.
His erratic behavior alarmed everyone onboard, but the crew acted swiftly, restraining him and ensuring the safety of the passengers, according to Digi24.
The Airbus A320 made an emergency landing in Guadalajara, where the man was arrested by the National Guard.
Traveling With Wife and Two Children
Authorities later revealed that the suspect was traveling with his wife and two children.
He claimed his actions were driven by desperation, saying he had received threats that a family member would be killed if he continued to Tijuana.
His home state, Guanajuato, has been severely impacted by organized crime, including kidnappings and extortion, adding a grim context to his story.
Even in custody, the man remained combative. He attacked the driver of a National Guard vehicle transporting him to the prosecutor’s office, causing a collision with a metal structure at the airport.
Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, and the authorities managed to regain control of the situation.
The flight resumed its journey to Tijuana after the incident, with the airline confirming that all passengers were safe.
Volaris praised the professionalism of its crew for handling the situation effectively and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
