A stolen aircraft led a large security incident on Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon, so that the operations were temporarily stopped and several flights to Reroute were forced.
Just before 1:30 pm local time on July 15, a “security incident” led to a temporary stopping the airport activities with a small private aircraft, according to a statement from YVR. The plane, which flew within the airspace of YVR, forced nine incoming flights to lead to different airports.
At about 1:45 pm, after an air traffic suspension of 39 minutes, the Cessna 172, which is safely operated by a single person, is safely landed. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) then arrested the pilot.
In a recording of air traffic control obtained by the Vancouver -Zon Via Liveatc.net, a controller warned other pilots: “We have a plane that has been hijacked and is near the airport … In case something starts on the way [you]You have the option to move to your own discretion. “
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Man accused of hijacking after stealing a small Cessna plane from Victoria Flying Club (Azhar Akhtar via Storyful)
“They are currently flying above it,” says a voice of air traffic control. “At the moment I have no further updates. We have the plane in visual reach – are there for further instructions. “
Later air traffic controllers instructed grounded aircraft to stay in the standing situation:
“We don’t know for sure what will happen. The plane continues to circle above and the intentions are unknown. For now we are holding up position.”
RCMP later confirmed that Victoria International Airport’s plane had been removed and about 40 miles had flown to the airspace of Vancouver.
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Man arrested after stealing Cessna aircraft on Vancouver International Airport (Azhar Akhtar via Storyful)
“Safety and security are our top priorities and we constantly assess our processes and procedures in the service of our operation, our passengers and our aviation customers,” said the statement. “After a significant situation or need activation activation and as part of our standard procedures, we debriefen about what was taking place and we make recommendations for changes or improvements where necessary.”
One eyewitness, Speak with CBC, Described to see the low -flying plane and suspected that something was wrong.
“A few minutes later the plane experienced a second pass, circling around in a turn clockwise,” eyewitnesses told CBC.
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An Air Canada Embraer 190 Jet Aircraft Taxis to a Vancouver International Airport Gate on July 7, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Vancouver was the host city of the Winter Olympics 2010. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
On July 16, RCMP unveiled the identity of the pilot as the 39-year-old Shaheer Cassim, who is now confronted with a hijacking. Authorities claim that he threatened a flight instructor at YYJ before taking over control of the plane.
RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Tammy Lobb said in a press release that the suspect seemed to have a “ideological motif” aimed at disturbing air traffic. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The police noted that the investigation is still at an early stage and remains active.
The Minister of Public Security and Lawyer General of British Columbia, Garry Begg, praised the fast actions of First Responders.
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“Thankful for the professionalism of police, air traffic control and airport staff during today’s incident,” he posted on X. “Relieved that there were no injuries and that normal operations have resumed.”
The airport says that flights have resumed at YVR, although small delays can continue to exist. Travelers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates.
