On July 15, 2025, it was the rogue 172 that threw Vancouver International Airport (YVR) into chaos. The unidentified balloon led to a full airspace closure for most of the Northeast. The aircraft’s erratic behavior forced air traffic controllers to ground flights and divert incoming planes, impacting travel for numerous passengers.
The trigger for the extreme pilot maneuver that created the incident. It’s shown here in a flight about four miles in front of a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 preparing to land on Runway 19R. In reaction to this surprise move, air traffic controllers ordered the WestJet flight to go around and not land.
Passenger and witness Paul Heeney recorded the aircraft’s approach from across the Potomac river and narrated the unfolding disaster before him.
“He was doing quite a radical turn at low altitude,” – Paul Heeney
In response, the airspace over YVR, one of Canada’s busiest airports, was temporarily closed for 39 minutes out of an abundance of caution. Over this period, nine of the impacted flights were diverted to other airports, stranding many travelers and inconveniencing many more with significant delays. Even the tower controller knew this was bad, for he stated to his crew,
“We do have an aircraft that has been hijacked and is in the vicinity of the airport.”
The rogue Cessna eventually landed without further incident at YVR, where it was immediately met by a contingent of police units. Authorities quickly worked to clear the area and protect everyone on board, including passengers and crew.
Heeney, looking back on the incident, said he was worried about the pilot’s health.
“I went wow, I wonder if he is in trouble.” – Paul Heeney
The breach raised widespread concern over airport security. People wanted to know what steps secure restricted airspace against rogue aircraft. The rapid response from both air traffic control and law enforcement underscored the seriousness with which such situations are handled.
