A “security incident” that started on the Saanich Peninsula ground air traffic to a halt at two B.C. airports Tuesday (July 15) afternoon and ended with a person in police custody.
Shortly before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, a security incident involving a small private aircraft in the airspace near Vancouver airport prompted a temporary ground stop for arriving aircraft. RCMP responded, the aircraft landed safely, and the lone occupant was taken into custody, according to YVR media relations.
Victoria International Airport also confirmed an incident involving an aircraft operated by the Victoria Flying Club was safely resolved.
During the 39-minute ground stop for arrivals at the Vancouver International Airport, nine inbound aircraft were diverted to alternate airports.
Flight operations at YYJ returned to normal, with passengers encouraged to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
“We thank the RCMP, NAV CANADA, the Victoria Flying Club, and our on-site teams for their coordinated response,” the Victoria airport statement reads.
“As this remains an active investigation, we will not be providing further comment at this time.”
Sidney North Saanich RCMP said a statement would come from Richmond RCMP.
