CNN
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A passenger aboard a Mexican airline flight to Tijuana on Sunday allegedly tried to divert the aircraft to the United States “by use of force,” according to the airline Volaris.
After departing from El Bajío en route to Tijuana, the passenger tried to forcibly redirect the aircraft, prompting an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport, the airline said in a news release.
“The crew acted according to established security procedures and, according to protocol, the plane was diverted to the airport in Guadalajara, where the airline turned the passenger over to the custody of competent authorities,” Volaris said.
The National Guard was notified, according to the Federal Civil Aviation Agency, known as AFAC, though its specific role remains unclear. The passenger was detained without further incident in Guadalajara, AFAC said in a statement.
Officials have not explained what type of force the passenger allegedly used or where in the United States the individual, who was not identified, demanded to go.
CNN reached out to Mexico’s federal Department of Security and Volaris for comment but did not immediately hear back.
“The rest of the passengers were protected and able to continue on to their final destination,” said the airline.
All crew members also were safe, according to Volaris, and the aircraft was not damaged. The airline said it regrets the inconvenience and that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority.
CNN’s Amanda Jackson and Andy Rose contributed to this report.
