Man arrested after attempted hijacking of Mexico domestic flight

Mexican authorities arrested a 31-year-old man on Sunday after he attempted to redirect a domestic flight to the United States mid-air.

The Airbus A320, operated by Volaris, had departed from León, Guanajuato, at 7:17 am local time and was bound for Tijuana.

However, about 45 minutes into the flight, it made an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport following the incident.

According to the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection, the suspect assaulted a flight attendant and attempted to breach the cockpit, demanding the flight be diverted to the United States. The crew managed to subdue the man, who was reportedly traveling with family, and alerted authorities to facilitate an emergency landing.

Volaris reported that the man claimed his actions were motivated by threats to a close relative, who he alleged had been kidnapped and would be killed if he proceeded to Tijuana.

While the number of passengers aboard the flight was not disclosed, the plane resumed its journey to Tijuana after the arrest.

Guanajuato, known for its escalating drug cartel violence, including extortion and kidnapping, remains one of Mexico’s most volatile states. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region.