Runway incursion briefly disrupts flights at Abbotsford International Airport
Abbotsford International Airport staff and local police responded quickly after a motorhome reportedly ploughed through a perimeter fence and entered an active runway on the afternoon of July 25, according to the Abbotsford Police Department.
Police say they were called to the airport at 4:36 p.m. and that officers arrived on scene at 4:41 p.m., taking a 53-year-old man into custody. Airport personnel and air traffic control carried out immediate safety measures while the vehicle remained on the runway. Authorities say operations were briefly disrupted before returning to normal and that no one was hurt.
Air traffic control warnings captured in recording
An air traffic control recording released by authorities captured the urgency of the incident as controllers warned approaching aircraft to abort their landings and climb away from the runway area.
“Pull up and go around, pull up and go around immediately.”
In the same recording, controllers were heard indicating they would not communicate with the individual operating the vehicle on the runway.
Charges and investigation
Abbotsford police have charged the man with dangerous operation of a vehicle and mischief. The department says the probe is in its early stages as investigators work to establish the circumstances that led to the motorhome breaching the airport perimeter and entering the active runway.
Police are asking anyone with information, including dashboard camera footage from the area at the time, to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225.
- Date and time: July 25 — police notified at 4:36 p.m., officers on scene by 4:41 p.m.
- Subject: 53-year-old man arrested and charged
- Charges: Dangerous operation of a vehicle; mischief
- Impact: Brief disruption to airport operations; no injuries reported
Local context and implications
Abbotsford International Airport lies about 70 kilometres inland from Vancouver International Airport and serves as a key regional hub for both commercial and general aviation. Incidents that compromise airfield security — such as a vehicle entering a runway — are taken seriously because of the potential for catastrophic collision and the broader disruption to travellers and freight movements.
The prompt action by airport staff and air traffic control averted immediate danger, police said, and the recorded controller warnings underline how quickly standard arrival and departure procedures must be changed to preserve safety when an unexpected hazard appears on the movement area.
Beyond the immediate criminal investigation, the occurrence will likely prompt internal reviews of perimeter security and incident response procedures at the airport. Airports routinely reassess fencing, access controls and surveillance after breaches to determine whether upgrades or procedural changes are required to prevent repeat events.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport | Abbotsford International Airport |
| Incident time | Police notified 4:36 p.m.; officers on site 4:41 p.m., July 25 |
| Person arrested | 53-year-old man |
| Reported injuries | None |
| Contact for witnesses | Abbotsford Police Department — 604-859-5225 |
What officials say and next steps
Police confirmed the charges and reiterated that the investigation remains active. They asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video evidence to come forward. Airport officials also responded immediately on site to secure the airfield and support the safe continuation of operations once the vehicle was removed.
Although the details about why the motorhome breached the perimeter are still being gathered, the episode is a reminder of the importance of perimeter integrity at aviation facilities and the rapid decision-making required by air traffic control when unplanned hazards appear on runways.
For residents and travellers in the Fraser Valley, the incident is likely to prompt questions about how similar breaches will be prevented in future and whether additional security measures at Abbotsford International are warranted.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Abbotsford Police Department at the number provided above.
