There are still a lot of unknowns following Tuesday’s alleged hijacking of an aircraft that landed at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The Richmond RCMP is saying little about what transpired.
1130 NewsRadio pressed the Mounties for answers; however, was told by a spokesperson, “I cannot share any further details as this is an ongoing investigation.”
The drama unfolded in the afternoon, after a small four-seater Cessna was taken from the Victoria Flying Club, flown across the Strait of Georgia, and entered YVR airspace. At 1:45 p.m., the plane landed safely on a north runway, and the only person on board was arrested.
“Richmond RCMP, along with the Lower Mainland Integrated Police Dog Service, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, and RCMP Air Services were immediately deployed. Communication was established with YVR Emergency Operation Center to ensure a coordinated response focused on the safety and security of all involved,” said RCMP Cpl. Melissa Lui.
She confirms YVR called the RCMP, but won’t speak to a possible motive, potential charges, or whether RCMP cruisers were following the Cessna before it landed, and the suspect was arrested.
The incident Tuesday caused delays and diversions at YVR.
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Stephen Smart, head of communications for the airport authority, says NAV Canada implemented a “ground stop” when it all began to unfold.
“They temporarily halted all arrivals into YVR. That lasted for about 39 minutes. There were some knock-on delays. There were also nine flights that were diverted to Seattle, Comox, Abbotsford, Edmonton, Calgary, and Victoria. The good news is 39 minutes isn’t short, but 39 minutes also is not an incredibly long time,” Smart told 1130 NewsRadio.
Smart says operations resumed on the south runway and then the north runway.
“We’re in summer, we’re in a busy period, so really any disruption to travel at most times during the day is going to have a knock-on effect, that said, we have a very good relationship with NAV Canada, with the airlines, with our other partners, so we’re able to work to ease those delays as quickly as possible.”
Things are back to normal at the airport, but Smart suggests continuing to check their website for delays or issues prior to heading to the terminal.
With files from Jack Morse and Srushti Gangdev
