Flight Cancellation and Piloto’s Protest
The Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has initiated an administrative investigation following an incident on a Magnicharters flight from Mexico City to Cancun. The incident occurred when a pilot, after being informed of his dismissal, halted the flight operation while passengers were already on board.
Flight Details
The incident took place on flight GMT 780, traveling from Mexico City to Cancun. Around 2:16 PM, during takeoff, a minor issue was detected in the aircraft, causing it to return to the ramp for technical review.
After addressing the mechanical aspect and with a relief crew available, the dismissed pilot made statements to the passengers via the plane’s speaker system while they were still on board.
Labor Dispute Captured in Videos
Videos circulating widely on social media show the captain, identified as Edgar Macías, addressing passengers about his employment situation. In his messages, the pilot expressed his dissatisfaction with being fired and alleged unpaid wages and per diem by the airline.
Me duele por ustedes, porque no se merecen esto… pero no es justo que después de años de servicio te digan ‘ya vete’
— Edgar Macías (@EdgarMacias) March 15, 2020
Initially, some users and preliminary versions interpreted the situation as a possible “hijacking” attempt, though authorities dismissed this hypothesis.
Security Protocols Activated at Mexico City Airport
In response to the incident, AFAC and Naval Unit for Airport Protection authorities attended to ensure security protocols were followed. The flight was canceled, and no other airline operations were affected.
Mexico City International Airport informed via social media that around 3:00 PM, the AFAC, through the Aeroport Command, was conducting the necessary investigations and would inform the public when details were available.
AFAC Launches Administrative Investigation
The AFAC activated its protocol and initiated the corresponding administrative investigation. They also took statements from the involved crew members.
Simultaneously, the Directorate of Aviation Accident and Incident Analysis (DAAIA) began its inquiry to clarify the situation.
Magnicharters’ Response
As of now, Magnicharters has not issued a public statement regarding the incident or the pilot’s labor situation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened on the Magnicharters flight? A pilot, after learning of his dismissal, halted the flight operation while passengers were still on board.
- Who is Edgar Macías? Edgar Macías is the pilot involved in the incident, who expressed his dissatisfaction with being fired and alleged unpaid wages and per diem by the airline.
- What actions were taken by authorities? The AFAC and Naval Unit for Airport Protection activated security protocols, canceled the flight, and initiated an administrative investigation.
- Has Magnicharters responded to the incident? No, Magnicharters has not issued a public statement regarding the incident or the pilot’s labor situation.
