The stolen plane triggers a major security incident at Vancouver International Airport
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A stolen plane sparked a major security incident at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon, temporarily interrupting operations and forcing several flights to redirect.
Just before 1:30 p.m. local time on July 15, a “security incident” involving a small private plane led to a temporary stop in the airport operations, according to a statement from YVR. The plane, steering wheel in YVR airspace, forced nine incoming flights to get back to different airports.
Around 1:45 p.m., following a 39 -minute air traffic suspension, Cessna 172, operated by a single individual, landed safely. Police mounted on the Canadian Royal (RCMP) then apprehended the pilot.
In a recording of air traffic control obtained by the Vancouver sun Via Liveatc.net, a controller alerted other pilots: “We have an airplane that has been diverted and which is near the airport … In case everything starts to (you), you have the capacity to move at your discretion.”
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Man responsible for diverting after having stolen a small Cessna plane at the Victoria Flying Club (Azhar Akhtar via storyground)
“They are currently flying above the head,” can be heard a voice of air traffic control. “Right now, I have no more updates. We have the plane in the visual beach – go ahead of additional instructions.”
Later, air traffic controllers asked the plane to remain on hold during the current situation:
“We are not sure of what will happen next. The plane continues to turn above, and its intentions remain unknown. For the moment, we hold the position.”
The RCMP later confirmed that the plane had been taken from Victoria International Airport and had traveled around 40 miles in Vancouver airspace.
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Man arrested after having stolen planes cessna at Vancouver International Airport (Azhar Akhtar via storyground)
A spokesperson for the Vancouver Airport Authority said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the question involving a Victoria Flying Club plane had been resolved without injury.
“Safety and security are our main priorities, and we are continuously examining our processes and procedures at the service of our operation, our passengers and our airline customers,” the press release said. “Following an important situation or the activation of emergency operations and in the context of our standard procedures, we debates on what happened and make recommendations for modifications or improvements if necessary.”
An eyewitness, Speaking at CBC, Describe see the planes at low altitude and suspected that something was wrong.
“A few minutes later, the plane made a second pass, turning in a large round in the hourly direction,” said the eyewitness Paul Heeny.
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Air Canada Embraer 190 Jet Aircraft Taxis at a Vancouver International Airport door on July 7, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver was the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. (Photo of George Rose / Getty Images)
On July 16, the RCMP revealed the identity of the pilot like Shaheer Cassim, 39, who is now faced with an accusation of diversion. The authorities claim to have threatened a flight instructor in Yyj before taking control of the plane.
The RCMP spokesperson, SGT. Tammy Lobb said in a press release that the suspect seemed to have an “ideological reason” aimed at disrupting air traffic. Fortunately, no injury has been reported.
The police noted that the investigation was still in its infancy and remains active.
The Minister of Public Security of British Columbia and general request, Garry Begg, congratulated the rapid actions of the first stakeholders.
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“Recognizing for the professionalism manifested by the police, air traffic control and airport staff during today’s incident,” he posted on X. “relieved that there was no injury and that normal operations have resumed.”
The airport claims that thefts have resumed in YVR, although minor delays can persist. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
Fox News Digital contacted the police mounted on the Canadian Royal Plan but immediately received an answer.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. It covers subjects, including missing people, homicides, cases of national crime, illegal immigration and more. History advice and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
