Volaris Passenger Found Dead After Flight to Chiapas

A 28-year-old woman named Abidai López Solís was found dead in her seat after Volaris flight 3358 landed at Tapachula Airport (TAP) early Wednesday morning, Simple Flying reports. The flight had departed Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) just before midnight and arrived about 5:00 AM, 20 minutes ahead of schedule. No medical emergency was reported during the four-hour journey.

Why the situation went unnoticed

The flight was a red-eye, with cabin lights turned off to let passengers sleep. Simple Flying notes that on such overnight flights, it is normal for passengers to remain still, slumped over, or wearing eye masks and headphones for hours. Surrounding travelers likely assumed Solís was deeply asleep, and the cabin crew probably thought it best not to disturb resting passengers.

Solís was traveling back to her hometown to visit family, according to the NY Post, as cited by Simple Flying. The cause of her death has not been disclosed, and authorities have not ruled out foul play; her body was taken to a local forensic medical service for an autopsy.

After landing

Regular passengers deplaned normally while airport security and emergency responders held the immediate row. Paramedics from Civil Protection and the Red Cross boarded, evaluated for vital signs, and formally declared the death. Solís's body was removed discreetly, wrapped in a sheet, and transported for autopsy.

Volaris is the only carrier operating nonstop between Tijuana and Tapachula, running the route three to five times per week depending on seasonal demand. December is the busiest month for overall traffic on this route.

What this means for you: If you notice a fellow passenger on a red-eye flight who appears unresponsive for an extended period, alert a flight attendant, even if you assume they are sleeping.

• Abidai López Solís
• in-flight emergency
• red-eye flight
• Tapachula
• Tijuana
• Volaris