A small aircraft was seen on the runway at Vancouver Airport on July 15, 2025, with several police vehicles parked around it in Richmond, B.C. CBC
A surprising and tense situation unfolded at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon, July 15. A small aircraft reportedly got hijacked and flew into Vancouver’s airspace, forcing emergency action. Police quickly responded, and within minutes, the plane landed safely. The only person on board was arrested.
How It Started
At 1:10 p.m., Richmond RCMP received a report. A small plane, a Cessna 172, had been allegedly hijacked from Vancouver Island. The aircraft had entered YVR’s airspace and was flying in an unusual pattern. Police, canine units, and air services immediately rushed to the scene.
By 1:45 p.m., the plane landed safely on a runway. Officers surrounded it and arrested the lone person on board without any harm or resistance.
Flights Disrupted Across the Region
Due to the unexpected situation, the airport had to stop flights. Nine incoming flights were redirected to nearby airports. Many others were delayed or paused on the runway. The flight operations were on hold for 39 minutes.
YVR’s head of communications, Stephen Smart, said the halt was “not minor,” but things could have been worse. He confirmed that airport teams handled the event efficiently, thanks to regular training for emergency events.
What Witnesses Saw
Paul Heeney, a local resident, was driving near the Fraser River when he saw the plane. He said it was flying low and making wide circles—something a small plane usually doesn’t do near a major airport.
“I thought the pilot might be in some kind of trouble,” Paul recalled.
Who Owns the Plane?
The aircraft involved belongs to the Victoria Flying Club, according to officials at the Victoria International Airport. However, further details about the plane and the pilot remain unclear. Efforts to contact the flying club for comments are still ongoing.
Airport Resumes Operations
After the arrest and clearing of the area, flight operations at YVR resumed. But delays may still happen throughout the day. Officials are advising travelers to double-check their flight status with their airlines.
Stephen Smart added that YVR is now working closely with airlines to help stranded passengers reach their destinations as soon as possible.
Police Investigation Still Underway
Police have not shared any more details about the person arrested or the motive behind the alleged hijacking. They confirmed that the investigation is active and more information will come out later.
For now, the situation has been contained, and authorities thank everyone for their patience and quick cooperation.
