A man attempted to divert a flight bound for Tijuana but was subdued and handed over to authorities, allowing the passengers and crew to safely reach their destination.
The incident occurred on Volaris flight 3041, which was covering the Bajío-Tijuana route on the morning of Sunday, December 8. The aircraft had departed from Guanajuato en route to the border city when one passenger, traveling with his wife and children, attempted to hijack the flight.
Armed with a pen, which he held to a flight attendant’s neck, the man threatened the crew, demanding that the plane land in the United States. The aircraft had been in the air for only 30 minutes when the individual attempted to open one of the doors and, citing fears of threats from organized crime, began issuing his demands.
Who stopped the man attempting to hijack the Volaris flight?
Jesús, one of the passengers who intervened to subdue the assailant, stated that his primary goal was to protect his family and the other occupants of the plane, including numerous families with children.
He recounted that he initially tried to talk to and calm the man in an effort to prevent a tragedy, ultimately succeeding in defusing the situation.
Witnesses reported that the man who tried to divert the flight had shown signs of fear about flying from the beginning. However, his wife managed to calm him down as he was traveling with two small children.
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The tense moments were captured in videos shared on social media. In the footage, children’s cries, passengers’ screams, and the struggle to restrain the individual can all be seen and heard.
The plane made an emergency landing at Guadalajara airport, where the attacker was handed over to authorities with the help of the National Guard. The remaining passengers continued their journey to their original destination, Tijuana.
What did Volaris say about the attempted hijacking of their plane?
On the social media platform X, Volaris issued a statement about the incident on flight 3041, which was en route from Bajío to Tijuana.
“This morning on flight 3041, which was covering the route from El Bajío to Tijuana, a passenger attempted, through the use of force, to divert the plane to the United States. The crew acted in accordance with established safety procedures, and as per protocol, the plane was diverted to Guadalajara airport, where the airline handed the passenger over to the custody of the appropriate authorities,” the company stated.
Volaris also announced that it has become an accuser in the case to ensure the individual faces the corresponding legal consequences.
The company assured that passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself were all out of danger, and that the affected customers were accommodated to continue their trip to their final destination.
“Volaris regrets the inconvenience this situation caused. For Volaris, the safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority,” the statement emphasized.
Where is Bajío Airport located?
The Bajío Airport is situated at kilometer 5.5 on the Silao-León highway in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico.
What penalties could the passenger face for attempting to hijack the Volaris plane?
Article 170 of the Federal Penal Code imposes penalties ranging from three to twenty years in prison and fines of 100 to 400 days (equivalent to 10,857 to 43,428 pesos) for anyone who, through physical violence, threats, or deceit, takes control of a vessel, aircraft, train, bus, or other public transportation or diverts it from its route or destination.
Regarding Mario “N”, the individual who allegedly attempted to hijack the Volaris plane, the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR) is currently compiling an investigation file.
What did Claudia Sheinbaum say about the attempted hijacking of the Volaris flight?
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, announced that more details about the attempted hijacking of the Volaris flight would be provided during the day. She also confirmed that charges would be filed against the involved passenger.
“The Federal Attorney General’s Office will provide more information on this case later today,” she stated.
Where does Volaris operate?
Volaris, Mexico’s low-cost airline, operates in Mexico, the United States, and several Central American countries.
What types of aircraft does Volaris use?
Its fleet (one of the youngest in Mexico) consists of 86 aircraft from the Airbus A320 family.
