Man charged in fence-climbing security breach at Vancouver airport

Police vehicles are seen on the tarmac at Vancouver International Airport following a security breach on May 4, 2026.

The day after someone allegedly climbed over a fence at Vancouver International Airport and entered the wheel well of a plane, a suspect has been criminally charged.

The B.C. Prosecution Service confirmed Okito Benoit Wosha is facing one count of break-and-enter, one count of mischief, and two counts of assaulting a peace officer.

Wosha made a brief court appearance Monday evening and was scheduled to have a possible bail hearing Tuesday, a BCPS spokesperson said.

Richmond RCMP previously said officers responded to reports that someone “accessed an aircraft without authorization” around 4 a.m. Monday.

There was a heavy police presence as the situation unfolded—with several RCMP vehicles seen on the tarmac with emergency lights activated—but officials said there was no impact to airport operations.

The Vancouver Airport Authority said the suspect gained access to a secure area near the terminal by going over a fence.

“This immediately initiated the established multi-layer response from YVR, partner agencies, and the RCMP,” a spokesperson told CTV News on Monday. “The situation was contained within minutes.”

Porter Airlines also confirmed the individual accessed the wheel well of one of its aircraft. The company said the plane will undergo a comprehensive inspection before returning to service.