A stolen private plane caused a significant disruption at Vancouver International Airport on March 12, 2024. The Cessna 172, which had taken off from Victoria International Airport, circled the airport’s airspace, prompting air traffic controllers to ground flights and divert incoming aircraft.
The aircraft, used primarily for flight training, flew approximately 40 miles north to Vancouver before entering a holding pattern. Air traffic control recorded a warning issued to other pilots: “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport.” Controllers advised pilots to exercise caution and alter their approach paths as necessary.
Witnesses on the ground observed the plane performing sharp turns at low altitude, raising concerns about the pilot’s situation. Paul Heeney, a bystander, described the scene, stating, “He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude. I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.”
In response to the incident, air traffic controllers temporarily halted all arriving flights for 39 minutes. During this period, nine aircraft were diverted to alternative airports. A WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 was among those instructed to abort its landing due to the stolen plane’s proximity, which crossed approximately four miles ahead of the commercial flight.
The Cessna eventually landed safely at Vancouver International Airport, where it was immediately surrounded by law enforcement. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) took the only occupant of the aircraft into custody. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s identity or provided a motive for the theft.
In a statement, Vancouver International Airport confirmed the security incident, noting that it had prompted a temporary ground stop for incoming flights. The airport did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the theft or the identity of the individual involved.
The incident highlights the importance of air traffic control protocols in ensuring safety during unexpected situations. Authorities are likely to conduct further investigations to understand the events leading to the aircraft’s theft and any potential security breaches at the airport.
As air traffic gradually returned to normal, the situation underscored the challenges faced by aviation authorities in maintaining safety and security in busy airspaces.
