One person was arrested Tuesday, July 15, after an alleged aircraft hijacking at Vancouver International Airport disrupted operations and grounded flights for approximately 30 minutes.
Richmond RCMP received reports at 1:10 p.m. PT on July 15 of a Cessna 172 that had allegedly been "hijacked" from Vancouver Island and was entering YVR airspace. Police responded with air services and police dogs.
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Airport officials characterized the incident as a "security incident" involving a small private aircraft. YVR confirmed in a statement that the incident involved a small private aircraft operated by the Victoria Flying Club, according to Victoria International Airport.
Witness Paul Heeney observed the aircraft's unusual flight pattern while driving toward the Fraser River. "A few minutes later, we saw a second pass ... the plane was making a big clockwise circle," he said.
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Heeney noted the plane was flying low in airspace typically not used by small aircraft, prompting concerns about the pilot's situation.
RCMP confirmed their investigation into the aircraft hijacking incident remains ongoing. Police stated no additional details can be released at this time regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged hijacking.
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The Victoria Flying Club, which operates the Cessna 172 involved in the Vancouver airport incident, has been contacted for additional information about the aircraft and the alleged hijacking.
Richmond RCMP received reports at 1:10 p.m. PT on July 15 of a Cessna 172 that had allegedly been "hijacked" from Vancouver Island and was entering YVR airspace. Police responded with air services and police dogs.
Also read: After 54 years, D.B. Cooper hijacking mystery deepens as FBI releases unseen case files
Aircraft hijacking incident resolved with safe landing
The aircraft landed safely at Vancouver International Airport at 1:45 p.m., according to RCMP. One person, described as the only occupant of the plane, was arrested following the landing.Airport officials characterized the incident as a "security incident" involving a small private aircraft. YVR confirmed in a statement that the incident involved a small private aircraft operated by the Victoria Flying Club, according to Victoria International Airport.
Vancouver airport flights temporarily disrupted
Flight operations at Vancouver International Airport were temporarily suspended during the alleged hijacking incident. Some incoming flights were diverted while the airport addressed the security situation.Witness Paul Heeney observed the aircraft's unusual flight pattern while driving toward the Fraser River. "A few minutes later, we saw a second pass ... the plane was making a big clockwise circle," he said.
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Heeney noted the plane was flying low in airspace typically not used by small aircraft, prompting concerns about the pilot's situation.
Airport operations resume after hijacking arrest
Vancouver International Airport resumed normal flight operations following the resolution of the alleged hijacking incident. The airport advised travelers that some delays may persist and recommended checking flight status directly with airlines.RCMP confirmed their investigation into the aircraft hijacking incident remains ongoing. Police stated no additional details can be released at this time regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged hijacking.
Also read: DB Cooper, the hijacker who vanished into thin air, might have been found ending the mystery after 50 year
The Victoria Flying Club, which operates the Cessna 172 involved in the Vancouver airport incident, has been contacted for additional information about the aircraft and the alleged hijacking.
