A stolen private plane forced the temporary closure of airspace over Vancouver International Airport on September 26, 2023. The aircraft, a Cessna 172, took off from Victoria International Airport, where it was used for flight training. It flew approximately 40 miles north to Vancouver, circling the airport and prompting urgent warnings to other pilots.
Air traffic controllers responded quickly to the situation. “We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport,” a tower controller announced, advising pilots to exercise caution. This prompted a ground stop for arriving flights, effectively halting operations for a total of 39 minutes. Nine flights were redirected to alternate airports during this time.
Witnesses reported seeing the stolen plane flying at low altitudes and making sharp turns. “He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude,” said witness Paul Heeney, who was observing the incident unfold. “I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.”
One aircraft affected by the situation was a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737, which was instructed to abort its landing due to the rogue Cessna crossing about four miles ahead. The situation created significant disruptions for travelers and air traffic.
Ultimately, the stolen plane landed safely at Vancouver International Airport and was immediately surrounded by law enforcement. The suspect, whose identity has not been released by authorities, was the sole occupant of the aircraft and was taken into custody.
In a statement, the airport confirmed the incident, noting, “A security incident involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near YVR prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft.” As of now, police have not disclosed any motives for the theft of the aircraft, leaving questions about the incident unanswered.
The quick response from air traffic controllers and law enforcement helped ensure safety during a potentially dangerous situation. Travelers and airport staff alike were relieved that the incident concluded without further complications.
