A stolen private aircraft forced a temporary closure of airspace over Vancouver International Airport on March 12, 2024. The Cessna 172, which had taken off from Victoria International Airport, flew approximately 40 miles north before circling over one of Canada’s busiest airports.
Air traffic controllers promptly grounded flights, warning pilots of the situation. “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport,” a controller advised in a recording shared on LiveATC.net. This warning prompted immediate action from pilots, who were instructed to adjust their landing plans.
Onlookers at the airport witnessed the aircraft make low, erratic turns as it circled overhead. One witness, Paul Heeney, described the scene, 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 forced to abort its landing due to the presence of the “rogue 172.” The aircraft was crossing approximately four miles in front of the incoming flight, further escalating concerns among air traffic controllers.
After circling for a brief period, the stolen plane successfully landed at Vancouver International Airport and was quickly surrounded by law enforcement. The unidentified suspect, the only occupant of the aircraft, was taken into custody.
In a statement regarding the incident, Vancouver International Airport confirmed, “A security incident involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near YVR prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft.” The disruption lasted for around 39 minutes, during which nine flights were diverted to alternative airports.
While the airport and police have not provided details regarding the motive behind the theft, the incident raises significant questions about airspace security and the protocols in place for managing unauthorized aircraft.
The swift response from air traffic control and law enforcement highlights the importance of maintaining safety in busy air corridors like that of Vancouver International Airport, where thousands of passengers travel daily. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with unauthorized flights and the need for robust security measures.
