Former Vancouver International Airport staff recall 9/11 on 25th anniversary

He was the vice president of operations at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Sept. 11, 2001, where more than 8,500 passengers unexpectedly found themselves.

"There’s moments in your life that separate the before and after, and that was the moment for me," he said on CBC’s The Early Edition .

About 224 flights with over 33,000 passengers were diverted to Canadian airports following the terrorist attack that morning — where 2,977 victims were killed — in what was known as Operation Yellow Ribbon .

Richmond described a chaotic day dealing with the sudden influx of planes and passengers to an already full airport.

"I remember going to my manager airside and this is the detailed instructions I gave them: You’ve got 34 jumbos coming, figure out where they can park," Richmond said.