Stolen plane triggers major security incident at Vancouver International Airport

A stolen plane led a big safety incident on Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon, in order that the operations have been quickly stopped and several other flights to Reroute have been compelled.

Simply earlier than 1:30 pm native time on July 15, a “safety incident” led to a short lived stopping the airport actions with a small non-public plane, in line with an announcement from YVR. The aircraft, which flew inside the airspace of YVR, compelled 9 incoming flights to result in totally different airports.

At about 1:45 pm, after an air site visitors suspension of 39 minutes, the Cessna 172, which is safely operated by a single particular person, is safely landed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) then arrested the pilot.

In a recording of air site visitors management obtained by the Vancouver -Zon Through Liveatc.web, a controller warned different pilots: “We’ve got a aircraft that has been hijacked and is close to the airport … In case one thing begins on the best way [you]You’ve the choice to maneuver to your personal discretion. “

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Man accused of hijacking after stealing a small Cessna aircraft from Victoria Flying Membership (Azhar Akhtar by way of Storyful)

“They’re presently flying above it,” says a voice of air site visitors management. “In the meanwhile I’ve no additional updates. We’ve got the aircraft in visible attain – are there for additional directions. “

Later air site visitors controllers instructed grounded plane to remain within the standing state of affairs:

“We do not know for certain what is going to occur. The aircraft continues to circle above and the intentions are unknown. For now we’re holding up place.”

RCMP later confirmed that Victoria Worldwide Airport’s aircraft had been eliminated and about 40 miles had flown to the airspace of Vancouver.

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Man arrested after stealing Cessna plane on Vancouver Worldwide Airport (Azhar Akhtar by way of Storyful)

A spokesperson for Vancouver Airport Authority mentioned in an announcement to Fox Information Digital that the issue with an plane of the Victoria Flying Membership was solved with out an damage.

“Security and safety are our prime priorities and we continually assess our processes and procedures within the service of our operation, our passengers and our aviation clients,” mentioned the assertion. “After a big state of affairs or want activation activation and as a part of our normal procedures, we debriefen about what was happening and we make suggestions for modifications or enhancements the place needed.”

One eyewitness, Speak with CBC, Described to see the low -flying aircraft and suspected that one thing was incorrect.

“A couple of minutes later the aircraft skilled a second move, circling round in a flip clockwise,” eyewitnesses instructed CBC.

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An Air Canada Embraer 190 Jet Plane Taxis to a Vancouver Worldwide Airport Gate on July 7, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver was the host metropolis of the Winter Olympics 2010. (Photograph by George Rose/Getty Photographs)

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On July 16, RCMP unveiled the identification of the pilot because the 39-year-old Shaheer Cassim, who’s now confronted with a hijacking. Authorities declare that he threatened a flight teacher at YYJ earlier than taking on management of the aircraft.

RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Tammy Lobb mentioned in a press launch that the suspect appeared to have a “ideological motif” aimed toward disturbing air site visitors. Thankfully, no accidents have been reported.

The police famous that the investigation remains to be at an early stage and stays lively.

The Minister of Public Safety and Lawyer Common of British Columbia, Garry Begg, praised the quick actions of First Responders.

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“Grateful for the professionalism of police, air site visitors management and airport workers throughout immediately’s incident,” he posted on X. “Relieved that there have been no accidents and that standard operations have resumed.”

The airport says that flights have resumed at YVR, though small delays can live on. Vacationers are suggested to contact their airways for the newest updates.

Fox Information Digital reached the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, however didn’t instantly obtain a response.

Stepheny Worth is a author for FOX Information Digital and Fox Enterprise. She offers with subjects, together with lacking individuals, murders, nationwide crime instances, unlawful immigration and extra. Story suggestions and concepts may be despatched to stepheny.value@fox.com