A stolen private plane disrupted operations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on March 12, 2024, leading to a temporary airspace shutdown. The Cessna 172, which had taken off from Victoria International Airport, circled the area around YVR for approximately 39 minutes, causing air traffic controllers to divert incoming flights and abort landings.
According to air traffic control recordings, a tower controller alerted other pilots to the situation, stating, “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport.” This warning prompted immediate action, as controllers advised nearby aircraft to maneuver as necessary to ensure safety.
As the Cessna circled, witnesses on the ground reported seeing the plane fly at a low altitude. Paul Heeney, a local observer, described the aircraft’s movements, saying, “He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude. I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.” The situation escalated when a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 was instructed to abort its landing due to the presence of the Cessna, which crossed about four miles in front of the commercial flight.
The Cessna 172 eventually landed safely at Vancouver International Airport, where it was immediately surrounded by police. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, was the only person aboard the aircraft and was taken into custody. A statement from YVR confirmed that “a security incident involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near YVR prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft.”
During the disruption, nine incoming flights were diverted to alternative airports while operations at YVR were paused. The airspace was reopened after the incident, although specific details regarding the motive behind the plane theft have not been disclosed by police or airport officials.
The quick response by air traffic control and law enforcement ensured that no injuries were reported during the incident, highlighting the importance of safety protocols in busy airspaces. As investigations continue, the incident raises questions about airport security and the protocols in place to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
