On December 3, 2024, a Volaris flight from El Bajío to Tijuana was forced to make an emergency diversion to Guadalajara. The diversion was made after a passenger attempted to hijack the aircraft.
The incident, which unfolded mid-flight, led to a tense situation after a male passenger attempted to enter the flight deck and divert the aircraft to the United States.
Volaris Y43041 Silao-Tijuana
Volaris flight Y43041, operated by an Airbus A320-200, registered N526VL, had conducted a departure from Silao Del Bajio International Airport (BJX). The scheduled regional flight was bound for Tijuana International Airport (TIJ).
Whilst enroute in cruising flight, a male passenger reportedly assaulted a cabin crew member before attempting to gain access to the flight deck. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the passenger’s identity. News sources described the man as being a 31-year old Mexican national.
The individual reportedly tried to take control of the aircraft in order to divert it to the United States. The exact motive behind the attempted hijacking has not been formally disclosed.
According to a report by ABC 7 Eyewitness News, airline personnel said that the passenger told them that a close family member had been kidnapped. When the passenger departed from El Bajio, he purportedly received a death threat saying not to travel to Tijuana.
Crew Intervention and Emergency Landing
The flight crew intervened to subdue the unruly passenger. They were able to defuse the hijacking attempt and maintain control of the aircraft. As a precautionary measure, the pilot made the decision to divert the flight to Guadalajara International Airport.
Once the flight landed, local authorities were waiting to apprehend the suspected hijacker. Law enforcement authorities took the passenger into custody and he is currently facing charges related to the incident.
Aviation Security Scrutiny
The weekend’s Volaris in-flight security incident follows on the heels of another major security incident which saw a stowaway evade checkpoints in New York JFK Airport. Individual, a female Russian national then managed to stowaway on board a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Paris.
Her behaviour on board the aircraft led to raised suspicions in concerns amongst the cabin crew. French authorities detained the woman on landing in Paris.
The in-flight incidents highlight the crucial role of cabin crews, trained to respond to a range of potential threats.
While such incidents are rare, they underscore the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in aviation security protocols.
Airlines and airport authorities around the world are working to strengthen their security measures to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
As investigations continue, more details about the incident are expected to emerge. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in the aviation industry. It highlights the crucial role of flight crews and robust security measures in maintaining the safety of air travel.
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