Man after receiving death threats diverts Mexican flight to US by force

A passenger on a domestic flight in Mexico on Sunday tried to divert an aircraft to the United States by force, Volaris airlines said in a statement on X. The crew managed to detain him and all those aboard the flight are safe, according to the company which is one of the country's main airlines.

The plane was diverted to Guadalajara in central Mexico, where the person was handed over to authorities.

Other passengers later continued to their destination of Tijuana on the border with the US.


Volaris said it has become a plaintiff to ensure that the passenger faces the full weight of the law.

The passenger, detained by the National Guard and handed over to the Attorney General’s Office, is a 31-year-old Mexican man who was traveling with his wife and two children, according to a government statement. He told the Volaris crew that he had received death threats and would be in danger if he went to Tijuana, reported Bloomberg.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the bravery and commitment of our team, who protected the well being of everyone on board,” Volaris CEO Enrique Beltranena said in a post on X.

The U.S. Department of Transportation said on Thursday it was seeking public comment on whether airlines should be required to pay passengers cash compensation when flight disruptions are caused by carriers.

The USDOT is giving the public 60 days to comment as it launches the rulemaking process but stopped short of issuing a formal proposal. It will be up to President-elect Donald Trump's administration to decide whether to pursue regulations. Trump has vowed to slash regulations broadly.

"It's very reasonable to say you have some compensation for your time and some protections," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in an interview at an aviation event.

He said compensation rules for delays "would change the economic incentive in a way that motivates airlines to do more."