By Canadian Press

Vancouver airport hijacking suspect Shaheer Cassim makes video court appearance

Jul 22, 2025 | 12:32 PM

RICHMOND — The man accused of hijacking a plane on Vancouver Island and flying it back and forth above Vancouver International Airport last week made a brief court appearance by video in Richmond, B.C.

Shaheer Cassim appeared on Tuesday via video link, dressed in an orange prison outfit and speaking only his name when asked by the judge.

An agent for Cassim’s defence lawyer Kevin Westell told the court that more time was needed and scheduled his next appearance for July 29.

Cassim will remain in custody in the meantime at a pretrial centre in Surrey.

He faces charges of hijacking and interference with the operation of an airport that could endanger the safety of an aircraft in flight.

Program Relaunch

Saskatchewan's Orange Construction Zone Update returns with focus on safety

5h ago

Wildfires

Massive Shoe Fire remains uncontained as 84 blazes burn in Saskatchewan

6h ago

Politics

Carney maintains positive approval rating despite summer cooldown: poll

10h ago

The 39-year-old former commercial pilot was arrested July 15 after allegedly taking a plane from the Victoria International Airport before flying it to Vancouver’s airport where the aircraft was met by police upon landing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.

Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press