A stolen private plane caused significant disruption at Vancouver International Airport on March 12, 2024, leading to a temporary halt of air traffic. The aircraft, a Cessna 172, took off from Victoria International Airport, approximately 40 miles south of Vancouver, where it was primarily used for flight training. Upon reaching Vancouver, the plane began circling the airport, prompting air traffic controllers to implement safety measures.
In an audio recording from the air traffic control tower, a controller alerted pilots in the area, stating, “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport.” The warning allowed other aircraft to alter their routes as the Canadian airspace was temporarily secured.
As the stolen plane circled, it drew the attention of those on the ground. Witness Paul Heeney described the situation, stating, “He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude. I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.” The aircraft’s erratic movements forced a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 to abort its landing when it came within four miles of the Cessna.
Vancouver International Airport confirmed that the airspace was closed for a total of 39 minutes due to the incident. During this time, nine incoming flights were diverted to alternate airports as a precaution. “A security incident involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near YVR prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft,” the airport stated in a press release.
The stolen Cessna eventually landed safely at Vancouver International Airport, where it was immediately surrounded by police. The sole occupant of the aircraft, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, was taken into custody without incident.
As of now, officials have not provided any details regarding the suspect’s motive for stealing the plane. The situation raised questions about airport security and the protocols in place to handle similar incidents. This event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by aviation authorities in maintaining safety in increasingly complex airspace environments.