Former pilot pleads guilty in B.C. plane hijacking

Shaheer Cassim admits to terrorism charges after stealing small plane last July

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a small airplane control panel with a single red warning light glowing, conceptually representing the security risks of aviation hijackings.A recent wave of aviation security breaches has prompted renewed calls for tighter safeguards to protect airports and air travel.Richmond Today

Federal prosecutors say a British Columbia man named Shaheer Cassim has pleaded guilty to two terrorism offences after he stole a small plane on Vancouver Island last July, triggering a security incident at Vancouver airport that spurred Norad to scramble fighter jets.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of aviation security breaches and the need for robust security measures to protect airports and air travel. Plane hijackings, even of small private planes, can have serious national security implications.

The details

According to the Public Prosecution Services of Canada, Cassim pleaded guilty in a Richmond, B.C. court to charges related to the July 2025 incident where he stole a small plane from Nanaimo Airport on Vancouver Island. This triggered a security alert at Vancouver International Airport, leading the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad) to scramble fighter jets in response.

  • On July 12, 2025, Cassim stole a small plane from Nanaimo Airport on Vancouver Island.
  • The security incident at Vancouver International Airport occurred on the same day, July 12, 2025.

The players

Shaheer Cassim

A British Columbia man who pleaded guilty to two terrorism offences after stealing a small plane last July.

Public Prosecution Services of Canada

The federal agency that prosecuted Cassim for the terrorism charges related to the plane hijacking.

North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad)

The military organization that scrambled fighter jets in response to the security incident at Vancouver International Airport.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sorry, I'm really sorry.”

— Shaheer Cassim

What’s next

Cassim is scheduled to be sentenced for the terrorism charges on May 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing need for tight airport and aviation security measures to prevent potential terrorist threats, even from individuals acting alone. The guilty plea and forthcoming sentencing send a strong message about the serious consequences of such crimes.