A small plane taken from Victoria flew close to Vancouver Airport, leading both U.S. and Canadian fighter jets to respond quickly. CTV
A major air incident took place on Tuesday afternoon when a small aircraft believed to be hijacked flew in circles over Vancouver's main airport. The situation began when police in Richmond got a report around 1 p.m. that a Cessna 172 plane was taken from Victoria and was heading toward Vancouver.
Fighter Jets Quickly Deployed
In response, the United States sent F-15 fighter jets from a nearby base around 1:30 p.m. Canadian military jets, known as CF-18 Hornets, also began preparing for action. These aircraft are part of Norad — the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which protects airspace in both Canada and the U.S.
Before the U.S. jets arrived, the small plane landed safely at Vancouver International Airport.
Norad Ends Response After Landing
Once it was clear the plane had landed, Norad called off the mission. David Lavallee, a spokesperson for the Canadian side of Norad, confirmed that their team stood down after receiving this news.
"For reasons of operational security, Norad does not provide specifics on alert forces or the bases and locations from which they operate," Lavallee said in an email.
He also mentioned that they won’t share how many jets were involved or exactly where they took off from.
Where the Jets Came From
The American fighter jets were likely from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. That base is home to F-15 Eagle jets and includes people from the U.S. Navy, Washington Air National Guard, and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Canada’s CF-18 fighter jets usually operate out of bases in Alberta and Quebec.
Airport Lockdown and Delays
Because of the possible threat, Vancouver International Airport had to close its airspace for a short time. Flights ready to take off were held back. Some incoming planes had to land at different airports instead.
The airspace lockdown caused delays for many travelers and airline staff.
Suspect Arrested After Landing
The small plane landed at around 1:45 p.m. Police confirmed that the only person on board was arrested soon after the landing. So far, the pilot's reasons for taking the plane are still unknown. Authorities have not yet released further details.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the incident is still in its early stages. Officials are working to understand the pilot's actions and how the plane was taken. The quick response by Norad highlights how seriously both countries treat possible air threats.
