A large police presence was spotted on the runway at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) this afternoon as a temporary ground stop was ordered due to a security incident.
Social media users have posted footage of police vehicles on the tarmac surrounding what appears to be a smaller aircraft.
@flightradar24 all flights into #yvr are bring diverted. Major police presence on the north runway. pic.twitter.com/hqI5Cgfuhn
— Bob Bunting (@imaginet) July 15, 2025
Something going on at @yvr @GlobalBC @CityofVancouver pic.twitter.com/bYQ1aJBjHh
— Danny (@YyJdaniel) July 15, 2025
Apparent stolen aircraft from protestor doing un authorised circuits at YVR airport which caused the delays pic.twitter.com/OqTj4BZLSg
— Dean Sexton (@deansexton14) July 15, 2025
According to a YVR spokesperson, a security incident took place at the airport shortly after 1:30 p.m. this afternoon, involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near YVR.
This prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft, and RCMP responded.
The aircraft landed safely, and officers took the lone occupant into custody.
“During the 39-minute ground stop for arrivals, nine inbound aircraft were diverted to alternate airports. Airlines, YVR, and our partners are working to support getting those passengers to their destinations,” said the spokesperson in a statement to Daily Hive.
Richmond RCMP provided more information about the incident on Tuesday afternoon, noting that around 1:10 p.m., officers received a report that a Cessna 172, a small passenger aircraft, had been hijacked from the Vancouver Island area and was entering an airspace near YVR.
“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,” stated authorities in a news release.
“Communication was established with YVR Emergency Operation Center to ensure a coordinated response focused on the safety and security of all involved.”
The plane safely landed at YVR at 1:45 p.m., and Richmond RCMP officers arrested the suspect (who was the sole occupant of the aircraft) without incident.
RCMP said the investigation is active and ongoing.
While flights are now operating normally in and out of YVR, some delays are still possible, and passengers are encouraged to check with their airline or on the airport’s website for more information.