Passenger on Mexico flight arrested for allegedly trying to divert plane to US
A passenger aboard a domestic flight in Mexico was arrested for allegedly breaking into the cockpit and trying to divert the plane to the United States.
According to a report by CNN International, air carrier Volaris said that the passenger forcibly tried to redirect the plane after departing from El Bajío going to Tijuana. It prompted an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport.
"The crew acted according to established security procedures and, according to protocol, the plane was diverted to the airport in Guadalajara, where the airline turned the passenger over to the custody of competent authorities," Volaris is quoted as saying.
The passenger has been detained for a corresponding investigation, per the Federal Civil Aviation Agency, known as AFAC.
As stated in a report by FOX5 San Diego, a witness claimed that the passenger, who was traveling with his wife and children, allegedly grabbed a flight attendant and threatened her with a pen against her neck. He then reached for the plane door handle and said he “would jump to his death, threatening to take the flight attendant with him.”
The media outlet added that he was able to crack the door open. The crew reportedly managed to restrain the man with the help of another passenger.
Volaris assured that all crew members and passengers are safe and that the aircraft was not damaged. They later resumed the flight to its original destination.
