A person was arrested after a small passenger plane was supposedly “kidnapped” and landed at Vancouver International Airport on Tuesday, according to Richmond RCMP.
Around 1:10 PM PT of July 15, RCMP says they received reports from a Cessna 172 that had been “kidnapped” from Vancouver Island and was entering YVR airspace. Police, together with police dogs and air services, replied.
At 1:45 pm, the police say that the plane landed safely, and a person, the only person on the plane, was arrested.
Nine incoming flights deviated to other airports and flights were punished in YVR for approximately half an hour during the incident, which airport officials described as a “security incident.”
The flights were interrupted at Vancouver International Airport on Tuesday after an alleged ‘kidnapping’ that ended with an arrest in the asphalt.
YVR communications chief Stephen Smart said that Nav Canada implemented the temporary arrest of the operations after a small private plane was seen in circulation in the airspace near the airport.
Nav Canada confirmed that there was a security incident, but I would not say more.
Witness Paul Heeney led to the Fraser River when he noticed a small plane that banks right. I was flying low, in the airspace, a small plane would not generally be where it would be where it would be, he said.
He wondered if the pilot was in trouble.
“A few minutes later, we saw a second pass … The plane was making a large circle in the direction of the clock needles,” he said.
According to Victoria International Airport, the plane is operated by Victoria Flying Club. CBC News has communicated with the Flying Club for more information.
Some grounds connected to them, others deviated
Smart said flights were based on 39 minutes, which “is not less,” but said “it could have lasted much more.”
“This is not something we would experience regularly,” said Smart. However, he added, airport staff rehearse a variety of scenarios regularly in order to respond to unusual situations.
The airport says that flights now work as usual; However, there may still be some delays. Travelers are advised to verify their flight status directly with airlines.
Smart said YVR is working with airlines so that travelers deviate to other airports to their planned destinations.
Police say that their investigation is ongoing and that no more details can be disseminated at this time.
