Alleged ‘hijacking’ of small plane grounds flights at Vancouver airport, RCMP say

One person has been arrested after a small passenger aircraft was allegedly “hijacked” and landed at Vancouver International Airport Tuesday, according to Richmond RCMP.

At about 1:10 p.m. PT on July 15, RCMP say they received reports of a Cessna 172 that had been “hijacked” from Vancouver Island and was entering YVR airspace. Police, along with police dogs and air services, responded. 

By 1:45 p.m., police say the plane landed safely, and one person, the only person on the plane, was arrested. 

Flights were grounded at the airport, and some incoming flights diverted, for about half an hour during the incident, which airport officials described as a “security incident.” 

In a statement, YVR says the incident involved a small private aircraft. According to the Victoria International Airport, the aircraft is operated by the Victoria Flying Club. CBC News has reached out to the flying club for more information. 

On Tuesday afternoon, witness Paul Heeney was driving toward the Fraser River when he noticed a small plane banking to the right. It was flying low, in airspace a small plane wouldn’t usually be in, he said. 

He wondered if the pilot was in trouble. 

“A few minutes later, we saw a second pass … the plane was making a big clockwise circle,” he said.

The airport says flights are now operating as usual; however, there may still be some delays. Travellers are being advised to check their flight status directly with airlines. 

Police say their investigation is ongoing and no further details can be released at this time.