Pilot with ‘Ideological Motive’ Hijacks Small Aircraft, Forces Major Airport Shutdown

A stolen plane triggered a major security incident at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon, temporarily halting operations and forcing multiple flights to reroute.

Just before 1:30 p.m. local time on July 15, a “security incident” involving a small private plane led to a temporary halt in airport operations, according to a statement from YVR. The plane, flying within YVR’s airspace, forced nine incoming flights to reroute to different airports.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., following a 39-minute air traffic suspension, the Cessna 172, operated by a single individual, safely landed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) then apprehended the pilot.

In an air traffic control recording obtained by the Vancouver Sun via LiveATC.net, a controller alerted other pilots: “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport … just in case anything starts heading toward [you], you have the ability to move at your discretion.”

“They are currently flying overhead,” a voice from air traffic control can be heard saying. “At this time, I have no further updates. We have the aircraft in visual range—please stand by for further instructions.” (Read more from “Pilot with ‘Ideological Motive’ Hijacks Small Aircraft, Forces Major Airport Shutdown” HERE)

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