Stolen Cessna 172 Forces Temporary Airspace Shutdown Over Vancouver International Airport

A stolen Cessna 172 aircraft caused a temporary closure of the airspace above Vancouver International Airport — one of Canada’s busiest airports — on Tuesday, after taking off without authorization from Victoria International Airport.

The plane, which is typically used for flight training, departed from Victoria and flew approximately 40 miles north before it began circling in the vicinity of Vancouver’s airspace, prompting immediate concern among aviation authorities.

“We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport,” a tower controller warned pilots in the area. “Just in case anything starts heading toward you, you have the ability to move at your discretion.”

The situation ended without injuries or damage. The aircraft landed safely at Vancouver International Airport and was quickly surrounded by police forces. The lone individual on board, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was taken into custody at the scene.

Authorities have not yet released details about the motive or how the aircraft was accessed. An investigation is ongoing.