A stolen plane swooped into Vancouver’s airport airspace on Tuesday afternoon, forcing flight diversions and prompting an urgent law enforcement response.

Authorities arrested 39-year-old Shaheer Cassim after he allegedly took a Cessna 172 from Victoria International Airport and flew it into controlled airspace near Vancouver International Airport, triggering a 39-minute interruption to normal operations and forcing multiple flights to reroute, as the New York Post reports.

Just before 1:30 p.m. on July 15, an unauthorized aircraft entered the airspace surrounding Vancouver International Airport (YVR), creating what officials called a “security incident.” Eyewitnesses reported the plane circling low above the airport and making multiple passes, which prompted swift coordination between air traffic controllers and emergency teams.

The aircraft, a single-engine Cessna 172, had been taken without permission from Victoria International Airport (YYJ) earlier that day. Reports indicate that Cassim had allegedly threatened a flight instructor before taking off alone and heading toward Vancouver. The aircraft's intrusion caused concern among aviation authorities, who temporarily halted operations at YVR.

During the incident, nine incoming commercial flights were rerouted to alternate airports as a precautionary measure. Air traffic control recordings revealed visible concern, with controllers warning crews to prepare to maneuver if necessary while the rogue aircraft approached and lingered in the sky.

Plane’s suspicious movements force airspace lockdown

In audio obtained through public aviation channels, air traffic personnel urged caution while the Cessna flew overhead, its intentions unclear. “They are currently flying overhead,” one voice said, signaling mounting uncertainty as controllers and crews awaited further developments. Another message advised personnel to stand by and remain alert as the situation unfolded.

After roughly 15 minutes of tense anticipation, the Cessna landed safely on the YVR tarmac at about 1:45 p.m. Authorities quickly moved in, apprehending the pilot without incident. Off-camera, law enforcement officials secured the area while emergency protocols continued to play out inside the airport.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers identified the pilot as British Columbia resident Shaheer Cassim. The following day, RCMP announced that Cassim would face a hijacking charge in relation to the unauthorized flight. Investigators did not disclose full details of his background but confirmed early signs of an “ideological motive” behind his alleged actions.

Police suggest suspect intended to cause disruption

According to RCMP spokeswoman Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Cassim’s behavior appeared to reflect a desire to interfere with air traffic operations rather than cause physical harm. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remained in its initial stages and more information would be released as it became available.

British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Garry Begg responded publicly to the event, commending the swift actions of police, air traffic controllers, and airport employees. “Grateful for the professionalism shown by police, air traffic control, and airport staff during today’s incident,” he shared on social media.

Following the landing and arrest, operations at Vancouver International Airport gradually resumed. The Vancouver Airport Authority acknowledged that lingering delays were likely but emphasized that safety procedures had functioned effectively. “Safety and security are our top priorities,” a spokesperson said, pledging internal reviews to evaluate the response.

Eyewitness accounts reveal tense moments

Passengers and airport visitors on the ground watched the strange aerial activity with growing concern. Witness Paul Heeny told the CBC that the aircraft made multiple low, looping passes near the airport, circling in a broad clockwise pattern before landing. The plane’s repeated flyovers added to anxieties during the nearly 40-minute disruption.

Local media outlets obtained audio footage from LiveATC.net, evidencing the tight coordination between aviation control staff under pressure. “We’re not certain what will happen next,” commented one controller during the incident, illustrating the uncertainty surrounding the lone pilot’s intentions.

Cassim was said to have acted by himself, with no passengers or co-pilot aboard the plane. The RCMP confirmed that no weapons or harmful devices were found on the aircraft, and there is no indication that Cassim attempted to collide with any airport infrastructure during the flight.

Lessons to learn

While no casualties were reported in this incident, it highlights vulnerabilities in general aviation access and how rapidly situations can escalate. Here are a few practical lessons drawn from the event:

1. Flight security at regional airports must remain stringent: Even smaller airports like Victoria must enforce robust security checks and monitor personnel access to prevent unauthorized control of aircraft.

2. Preparedness pays off: The swift professional response by air traffic control and law enforcement prevented a potentially dangerous confrontation. Fast communication and clear protocols are crucial in emergency scenarios.

3. Recognizing warning signs can save lives: The suspect reportedly threatened a flight instructor before taking the plane. Early intervention or reporting concerns about behavioral changes can play a key role in preventing escalations.

Why this story matters

Incidents like this one serve as stark reminders of the importance of transportation security in our increasingly connected regions. With small airports often playing major roles in travel and cargo, maintaining vigilance protects both lives and infrastructure. Additionally, this event demonstrates how ideological actions -- even those without physical violence -- can impact public safety and disrupt daily life. Understanding threat motivations is essential to improving our collective safety systems.

Finally, the coordinated response among emergency service workers, federal transportation authorities, and aviation professionals underscores the importance of training and crisis communication during uncertain situations.