VANCOUVER - A recent air traffic conversation has raised questions about the motivations behind the alleged hijacking of a small aircraft at Vancouver International Airport. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, temporarily halted landings and has been suggested to be linked to "some type of protest."

An unidentified air traffic controller was recorded discussing the situation, indicating that a Cessna was circling approximately 500 feet above the airport. The controller informed a grounded pilot that the situation could last "a couple hours." However, the Cessna landed just 10 minutes later, and police confirmed that the sole occupant was arrested shortly after.

The air traffic control team first reported a "rogue aircraft" shortly after 1 p.m., instructing nearby planes to monitor the Cessna 172 and to be prepared to "manoeuvre as necessary." The pilot of a commercial jet, who was grounded at the time, inquired about the delay, expressing confusion over why his plane was being held at the gate.

According to police in Richmond, B.C., the Cessna landed at approximately 1:45 p.m., 47 minutes after it took off from Victoria International Airport. The aircraft was operated by the Victoria Flying Club, as confirmed by a statement from the airport.

Following the incident, Vancouver International Airport reported that flights resumed normal operations later in the afternoon after a 39-minute "ground stop" for arrivals. During the air traffic conversation, a controller noted that the pilot of the Cessna had claimed to have hijacked the aircraft and was en route to Vancouver. Flight data indicated that the plane circled above the airport for about 25 minutes.

In a discussion captured in the recordings, the controller and a grounded pilot speculated about the last time such an incident occurred, with one remarking, "maybe the '70s."

As of now, police have not provided updates regarding the identity of the pilot or further details about the case. A video shared on social media depicted police vehicles approaching the Cessna as it taxied after landing, with the aircraft's door swinging open before it came to a stop. Another recording revealed that the suspect "expected to be arrested" while the aircraft was circling above the airport.