Man charged in plane hijacking from Victoria to Vancouver

A 39-year-old man has been charged with hijacking after allegedly taking control of a small aircraft at Victoria International Airport and flying it to Vancouver.

The RCMP says Shaheer Cassim is accused of threatening a flight instructor and hijacking the small plane on the afternoon of July 15.

The aircraft later landed safely at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), where Cassim was arrested without incident.

RCMP Federal Policing’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) has taken over the investigation.

Authorities say Cassim acted with an “ideological motive to disrupt airspace,” but did not elaborate further.

“No one was injured during this incident,” said Sgt. Tammy Lobb, media relations officer for Federal Policing (Pacific Region).

“Investigators are continuing to collect evidence and follow all leads.”

Police say they are working with NAV Canada, Transport Canada, and staff at both airports involved.

Cassim has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 22.

He faces one count of hijacking under Section 76(d) of the Criminal Code.

The investigation remains ongoing.