A 31-year-old man tried to reroute the aircraft to the United States flight, according to Volaris, one of the nation’s major airlines.
The flight crew and several passengers stopped a passenger on a local aircraft in Mexico from forcing the jet to divert to the United States.
After being arrested, the man apparently said that the failed try was caused by the kidnapping of a close relative and the danger of criminals threatening his life.
The 31-year-old man tried to reroute aircraft 3401 from El Bajio in central Mexico to the border city of Tijuana in Baja California “through the use of force” on Sunday morning, according to Volaris, one of the nation’s major airlines.
Before being stopped, he assaulted a flight attendant and tried to enter the cockpit and take over the aircraft.
Approximately 2,220 kilometers from its intended destination, the aircraft made an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport, where National Guard personnel were already waiting for him.
Volaris chose to file charges against the man, who was traveling with his wife and two kids and may spend three to twenty years behind bars.
