An image of aircraft in flight used with a news story of 42 people feared dead in plane crash.

Plane hijack attempt was resisted on Sunday in Mexico. The crew promptly overpowered and arrested the aggressor  – after he attacked a flight attendant.

A 31-year-old man attempted a plane hijack in Mexico on Sunday, but authorities arrested him afterward. The Airbus A320 took off from Leon, Guanajuato, bound for Tijuana. About 45 minutes into the flight, the crew had to make an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport.

The man assaulted a flight attendant and tried to enter the cockpit to divert the plane to the U.S. “A subject assaulted a flight attendant and attempted to enter the cockpit to divert the flight to the United States,” said the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection.

The man was traveling with his family. He told the crew that someone had kidnapped his  relative. “The aggressor told them a close relative had been kidnapped and, upon taking off from Leon, was threatened to be killed if he went to Tijuana,” Volaris said.

Crew members quickly subdued the hijacker and issued an alert for an emergency landing in Guadalajara. After arresting the man, the flight resumed its journey to Tijuana. Authorities have not disclosed the number of other passengers on board.

Analysts react to plane hijack attempt

This hijack attempt follows similar incidents worldwide in recent years. In 2020, a man tried hijacking a flight from Havana to Mexico City. Another hijacker attempted to divert a plane in Venezuela, demanding the pilot should fly to the U.S.

Aviation safety experts are concerned about the rise in hijacking attempts. “While such incidents are rare, they highlight the importance of rigorous security protocols,” said Dr. Carla Soto, an expert. “Crew members undergo training on how to handle these situations quickly and effectively.”

The state of Guanajuato faces serious cartel violence, including extortion and kidnappings. Authorities said, “Guanajuato is one of the states struggling with drug cartel violence.”  Aviation experts urge stricter security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

By Julian Parker

Julian Parker is our accomplished International News Editor, bringing over 15 years of experience in global journalism. With a sharp analytical mind, Julian has a wealth of experience in coverage of crime cases as well as health stories. His career has taken him to various hotspots around the world, where he has reported on some critical health and crime issues. Passionate about uncovering underreported stories, Julian is committed to highlighting diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of affairs. He holds a degree in Journalism and has contributed to several prestigious media outlets, earning recognition for his insightful analysis and impactful reporting. Outside of work, Julian enjoys reading historical fiction, traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations, and engaging in discussions about community and current events.

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