An attempted hijacking turned a routine Mexican domestic flight into a scene of chaos and heroism on Sunday morning.

Authorities reported that a 31-year-old Mexican national, identified only as Mario, caused panic aboard a Volaris flight en route from León’s El Bajío airport to Tijuana.

A United Airlines flight is seen taking off the day before Thanksgiving at Newark International Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024.

The passenger, traveling with his wife and two children, allegedly attacked a flight attendant and tried to storm the cockpit, demanding the plane be diverted to the United States, as reported by The New York Post.

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According to a statement from Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), the suspect claimed he had received death threats and that a family member had been kidnapped, urging him to avoid traveling to Tijuana.

Despite his violent actions, the flight crew quickly intervened, restraining the suspect before he could force his way into the cockpit.

Inside the cockpit of a Delta airplane at the McGhee Tyson Airport on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

The pilot immediately issued an alert code and diverted the flight to Guadalajara International Airport, where authorities were waiting.

Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena praised the crew’s professionalism and swift response.

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“Today, we faced an exceptional situation on Volaris flight 3041,” Beltranena said in a statement. “Thanks to the professionalism and rapid response of our crew, established security protocols were activated, and the flight was safely diverted to Guadalajara.”

The airline confirmed that no weapons were found on the suspect, who was handed over to Mexican authorities upon landing. Volaris, standing firm on ensuring justice, has become a plaintiff in the case, pushing for the maximum legal consequences for the attempted hijacking.

After the suspect was removed, the flight resumed its journey to Tijuana without further incident. “All passengers, crew, and the aircraft are safe,” Volaris stated. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority.”

This unnerving event serves as a stark reminder of the critical role of airline crew members in maintaining security and order during crises. While the suspect’s motives remain under investigation, the swift and decisive actions of the crew ensured that a potential disaster was averted.

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