A stolen private plane caused significant disruptions at Vancouver International Airport on September 26, 2023, leading to a temporary shutdown of airspace. The Cessna 172, which had taken off from Victoria International Airport, flew approximately 40 miles north before circling near the busy airport.
Air traffic controllers quickly implemented emergency measures as the situation unfolded. “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport,” a tower controller stated in a recording released by LiveATC.net. The warning prompted pilots to exercise caution, allowing them to adjust their flight paths as necessary.
Witnesses on the ground described the plane’s erratic movements. One observer, Paul Heeney, remarked, “He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude. I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.” The Cessna circled the airport while air traffic controllers cleared other aircraft from its vicinity.
The airspace disruption forced a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 to abort its landing as the stolen aircraft crossed approximately four miles ahead. The airport announced that arriving flights were held for 39 minutes, during which nine planes were diverted to other airports.
After circling for some time, the stolen Cessna successfully landed at Vancouver International Airport. It was immediately surrounded by police, who arrested the unidentified suspect, the sole occupant of the aircraft.
In a statement, the airport confirmed, “A security incident involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near YVR prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft.” Authorities have yet to provide any motive for the theft or further details regarding the suspect.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by air traffic control in maintaining safety and order in busy airspace. As investigations continue, the aviation community remains vigilant about potential security threats.