Security Incident at Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

Security Incident at Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, the RCMP was requested to respond to a call for service at Victoria International Airport (YYJ).

“As always, the security and safety of our staff and visitors is our priority, said Geoff Dickson, Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) President and CEO.  The RCMP determined that there was potential risk to airport staff and passengers and directed that parts of the air terminal building close.”  This resulted in the cancellation of approximately 20 scheduled flights from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

The call for service is confirmed to have been an incendiary item and inert surplus military supplies contained in checked baggage.    

Throughout the incident, we cooperated fully with the authorities and emergency response crews and any other personnel that assisted the RCMP.  We are thankful for the teamwork shown by the RCMP, the YYJ emergency response teams and our mutual aid partners in Sidney and North Saanich. 

The airport is now open for regular operations and scheduled arrivals will resume this evening. Travellers are advised to confirm the status of their flight with their airline and to check our website at www.victoriairport.com.   

VAA will provide comment on the status of airport operations and further details about the incident may be directed to the RCMP.

About Victoria Airport Authority
Victoria Airport Authority is a not-for-profit authority that has managed the safe and secure operations of the Victoria International Airport on behalf of the surrounding communities since April 1, 1997.

Media Contact RCMP
Corporal Andres Sanchez
andres.sanchez@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Media Contact Victoria Airport Authority
Rod Hunchak, Director, Business Development and Community Relations
250-953-7514