In a shocking development that has rattled Canada’s aviation community, former commercial pilot Bipin Sharma has been charged with multiple terrorism-related offenses following an alleged attempt to commandeer a Vancouver-bound flight last month. The 34-year-old faces serious accusations including hijacking, uttering threats, and endangering an aircraft—charges that carry potential life sentences under Canadian law.
The incident occurred aboard Air Canada flight AC297 traveling from Toronto to Vancouver on February 18, when Sharma allegedly threatened flight attendants and attempted to access the cockpit midflight. According to court documents obtained by CO24 News, Sharma claimed to have explosive devices on board, creating panic among the 147 passengers and crew members.
“This represents one of the most serious aviation security incidents in Canadian airspace in recent years,” said RCMP Superintendent Darryl Kopp during yesterday’s press conference. “The swift response from the flight crew and air marshals present on the aircraft prevented what could have been a catastrophic situation.”
What makes this case particularly unsettling is Sharma’s background. Having previously worked as a commercial pilot for a regional Canadian airline from 2016 to 2021, he possessed intimate knowledge of aircraft operations and security protocols. Investigators are now examining whether this insider knowledge factored into the alleged plot.
Sources close to the investigation revealed to CO24 Canada that Sharma had been experiencing financial difficulties since losing his pilot’s license due to medical issues in 2021. Court records indicate he had filed for bankruptcy protection last year and had recently been evicted from his Toronto apartment.
Transport Canada has launched a comprehensive review of security protocols for former aviation employees, examining potential vulnerabilities in the system. “We’re reassessing our procedures regarding individuals with previous access to sensitive aviation information,” explained Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez. “This incident highlights potential gaps in our security framework that must be addressed immediately.”
Mental health experts caution against drawing premature conclusions about Sharma’s motivations. Dr. Elizabeth Chen, a forensic psychiatrist not involved in the case, told CO24 News, “Career loss, especially in highly specialized professions like aviation, can trigger profound identity crises and occasionally lead to extreme behavior. However, this doesn’t excuse criminal actions that endanger others.”
Legal analysts predict a complex trial ahead. “Cases involving aviation terrorism charges are extremely rare in Canada,” noted criminal defense attorney Michael Harrison. “The prosecution must demonstrate clear intent to commit terrorism, not merely disruptive behavior, which presents significant evidentiary challenges.”
The airline industry has responded with calls for enhanced psychological screening of employees and improved monitoring of former personnel with specialized operational knowledge. Airlines for America, representing major North American carriers, issued a statement supporting “collaborative efforts between industry and government to identify potential threats from individuals with insider knowledge.”
As Sharma remains in custody awaiting his next court appearance on April 12, this case raises troubling questions about aviation security in the post-pandemic era. With the industry still recovering from years of disruption, how effectively can we balance the open nature of commercial travel with protection against threats from those who understand the system from within?
