On the morning of Sunday, December 8, a passenger aboard Volaris flight 3041, traveling from El Bajío to Tijuana, attempted to hijack the aircraft and redirect it to the United States using force. The crew, with the help of passengers, was able to control the situation and diverted the flight to Guadalajara International Airport, where the aggressor was apprehended by the National Guard.  

You might also be interested in its Spanish version:  [VIDEOS] Pasajero de vuelo El Bajío a Tijuana intenta desviar la aeronave hacia EUA  and Viajaba con su esposa e hijos, quién trató de desviar el vuelo Volaris

The suspect, identified as Mario “N”, 31 years old, was traveling with his wife and two young children. Initial statements suggest that he acted under death threats after a relative was allegedly kidnapped. However, there are conflicting reports regarding his motivations.  

During the incident, the man tried to enter the pilots' cabin and assaulted a flight attendant. The crew activated security protocols, and the pilot issued an emergency code before making an emergency landing.  

Volaris confirmed that all passengers and crew were unharmed. The airline will cooperate with authorities to ensure the suspect faces legal consequences. The flight continued to Tijuana after the incident.  

#VolarisInforma Sobre lo ocurrido durante el vuelo 3041 en la ruta Bajío - Tijuana, nuestra tripulación actuó de acuerdo con los procedimientos de seguridad establecidos y conforme a protocolo. pic.twitter.com/rYRa8TleTR

— Volaris (@viajaVolaris) December 8, 2024

Guadalajara International Airport reported that its operations were not affected. The National Guard transferred Mario “N” to the Attorney General's Office, where his legal situation will be determined.

Passengers recount how they experienced an attempted kidnapping on a Volaris flight

Jesus, one of the passengers, managed to intervene and speak with the aggressor, who confessed to fleeing drug cartels and seeking asylum in the U.S. He was traveling with his family. Another passenger, Gerardo González, shared that the aggressor had received threats from the cartel in his home state of Guanajuato and was planning to apply for political asylum in San Diego.

[VIDEO] Narran pasajeros como vivieron intento de secuestro en avión de Volaris