A passenger on a domestic Mexican flight reportedly attempted to hijack the plane and force it to divert to the United States on Sunday morning, December 8, according to a statement from the Mexican Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC).
The suspect, identified as Kel Mario N, a 31-year-old Mexican national, launched the attempt during Volaris Flight 3041, which was traveling from El Bajío International Airport in León to Tijuana. Authorities said Mario N tried to breach the cockpit, demanding that the pilots redirect the aircraft.
Mario N threatened to jump with a flight attendant over Mexico, as horrified passengers hysterically begged him not to. He then allegedly attacked the flight attendant, pressed an object against her neck and tried to enter the cockpit.
The crew intervened quickly, restraining Mario N while the pilot activated security protocols. The plane made an unscheduled landing at Guadalajara International Airport in central Mexico, where authorities were waiting. It was unclear whether the suspect was armed during the incident.
Upon landing, Mario N was taken into custody by law enforcement. The SSPC reported that the suspect was traveling with his wife and two children, though no members of his family were involved in the hijacking attempt.
According to the SSPC, Mario N told airline personnel after the plane took off that he had received threats against his life and warnings not to continue to Tijuana. He also claimed that a family member had been kidnapped, suggesting this was his reason for attempting to divert the flight. Authorities are investigating these statements as part of their inquiry into the incident.
Volaris, the airline operating the flight, praised the professionalism of its crew in resolving the situation.
The airline assured the public that all passengers and crew aboard the Airbus A320 were unharmed during the ordeal.
The flight resumed its journey to Tijuana after the suspect was removed, and no further incidents were reported.
Volaris stated that it has filed a formal complaint against Mario N and plans to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure legal action is taken. “The airline has become a plaintiff to ensure that the passenger faces the full weight of the law,” Volaris said in its statement.
Authorities have not yet released specific charges against Mario N, and further details about his motives or any potential mental health concerns remain under investigation.
Volaris Flight 3041, a regular domestic route from León to Tijuana, typically lasts approximately three hours and serves as a vital connection for travelers between central Mexico and the U.S. border city. The aircraft involved in the incident was grounded temporarily in Guadalajara for inspection before continuing its route.