In Mexico, a pilot locked himself in the cockpit and refused to allow a passenger-filled aircraft to take off in order to protest unpaid wages. According to local media, the incident occurred on 19 December in Mexico City and resulted in the cancellation of the flight.
“This Aircraft Will Not Take Off Until the Debt Is Paid”
In a video shared by local media, including the newspaper Reforma, and circulated on social media, the pilot is seen addressing passengers on board, saying:
“This aircraft will not take off until they pay us what they owe.”
AFP reported that it was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the video in question.
Five Months’ Salary Claim
The pilot claimed that his employer had failed to pay five months of salary as well as travel expenses. In the video, addressing the passengers, the pilot used the following statements:
“I am sorry for you because you do not deserve this. I have been working for the airline for almost three years and I have never had a situation where I was unable to complete a flight.”
The pilot also added that he is the father of three children.
Authorities Launch an Investigation
Authorities at Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport announced via the social media platform X that civil aviation authorities were investigating an “incident” that occurred at around 15:00 local time on a scheduled flight planned to Cancun.
According to information reported in the Mexican media, following the incident the captain pilot was taken into custody, while the passengers on board were safely evacuated.
Debate Over Working Conditions in Aviation
The incident has once again brought to the forefront issues surrounding pilots’ working conditions, salary payments and job security in Mexico’s aviation sector. While experts draw attention to the reasons behind the protest, they emphasise that flight safety must remain a priority under all circumstances.
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