Pilot detained at Vancouver airport after airspace security incident halted landings

By Canadian Press on July 15, 2025.

RICHMOND — Vancouver International Airport says a person has been taken into custody after a “security incident” involving a small private aircraft shut down arrivals for more than half an hour.

The airport says in a statement that the incident occurred in airspace above the airport around 1:30 p.m., and that RCMP responded.

It says the aircraft landed safely and the lone occupant was taken into custody.

The airport says flights are now operating normally after a 39-minute “ground stop” for arrivals.

It says nine inbound aircraft were diverted to other airports.

Social media videos show multiple police vehicles on the tarmac behind a single-engine plane, and several officers advancing on the aircraft.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 15, 2025.

The Canadian Press