The Vancouver International Airport (CYVR) temporarily grounded all flights for arriving aircraft after a small private aircraft taking off began circling about 40 miles north.
The Canadian airport notified the public of a security incident that took place on Tuesday in a news release. While the facility didn’t specify what occurred, it did state that the Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) responded and arrivals were halted for 39 minutes.
“RCMP responded, the aircraft landed safely, and the lone occupant was taken into custody,” the release stated. “Airlines, [Vancouver International Airport], and our partners are working to support getting those passengers to their destinations.”
CNN later reported that a Cessna 172 typically used for flight training had been stolen from the airport.
According to air traffic controller (ATC) communications retrieved by CNN, a tower controller warned other planes of a hijacked aircraft in their vicinity. A WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 was also told to abort its landing due to the “rogue 172” crossing about 4 miles in front of it.
After eventually landing safely at Vancouver International, the lone suspect was arrested. Their identity has not been disclosed by authorities.
A spokesperson for Vancouver International Airport told FLYING in an emailed statement that the airport is operating normally as of Wednesday.
“Yesterday’s security incident resulted in several dozen flight delays, averaging 27 minutes each,” the airport’s spokesperson said. “Eight of the nine flights diverted to alternate airports during the temporary ground stop were able to land at YVR yesterday afternoon and evening. YVR and those airlines worked with our partners to support impacted passengers in getting to their destinations.”
