A stolen private plane triggered a temporary shutdown of airspace over Vancouver International Airport on March 5, 2024. The incident involved a Cessna 172 that took off from Victoria International Airport, approximately 40 miles to the south. Air traffic controllers implemented a ground stop for arriving flights while the aircraft circled the airport, causing significant disruptions.
According to a recording obtained from LiveATC.net, a tower controller warned pilots about the situation, stating, “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport.” Controllers advised other aircraft to adjust their positions as necessary. People on the ground observed the plane making low, erratic turns, prompting concern among witnesses.
One witness, Paul Heeney, described the plane’s movements, stating, “He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude. I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.” As the situation unfolded, a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 was instructed to abort its landing due to the potential collision risk with the stolen Cessna, which crossed about four miles in front of the commercial aircraft.
The stolen Cessna ultimately landed safely at Vancouver International Airport, where it was immediately surrounded by police. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was taken into custody.
In a statement, the airport confirmed that a security incident involving a small private aircraft prompted the temporary ground stop for arriving flights. The disruption lasted approximately 39 minutes, during which time nine flights were diverted to other airports.
Authorities have yet to provide information regarding the motive behind the theft of the aircraft. The incident raised significant safety concerns, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Vancouver International Airport remains one of the busiest airports in Canada, and incidents such as this highlight the ongoing challenges faced by air traffic control and security personnel. As investigations continue, officials aim to understand the circumstances that led to this unusual event.
