Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport, located in British Columbia, is Canada’s second busiest and has positioned itself as a transpacific hub. Its location makes it the closest major West Coast airport to Asia and Europe, offering significant connectivity advantages.

Passenger volumes at Vancouver Airport have continued to grow. In 2024, the airport handled 26.2 million passengers—just below its 2019 peak—and the upward trend is expected to continue into 2025. International traffic in particular grew by over 10% last year and continues to rise as more overseas travellers return.

Vancouver Airport 2005-2024

Recently, Vancouver Airport saw the resumption or launch of a number of long-haul routes. These include Air Canada starting flights to Singapore, Beijing, Bangkok and Manila, as well as ZIPAIR introducing flights to Tokyo. On the other hand, South Korea’s T’Way Air will start operations to Seoul in 2025.

European connectivity is strong too. All pre-pandemic European routes, including London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam have been restored out of Vancouver, while a number of secondary routes, such as Zurich, feed the airport.

Vancouver is also attracting new US routes despite an overall decline in demand in transborder travel. These include new services to Austin, Miami, Nashville and Raleigh-Durham all launching in 2025.

Air Canada is Vancouver’s largest carrier by available seat capacity, holding an almost 50% share in 2024. It is followed by WestJet and Flair Airlines, while the largest foreign carrier is United.

Vancouver’s strategic position offers strong potential for route development. Demand is rising for services to secondary cities across China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Europe also presents opportunities, particularly in underserved markets where both frequency increases and new routes are viable. Additionally, connections to major cities in Mexico, Central, and South America are emerging as promising growth areas.

Vancouver Airport has developed a comprehensive master plan aiming to accommodate up to 35 million passengers annually by 2037 through terminal expansions, new taxiways and improved access infrastructure. The multi-billion dollar strategy is designed to transform the airport into a world-class, sustainable hub connecting Asia and the Americas, and will bring even more opportunities for airlines to grow at the airport.

Vancouver Airport

Tourism Board Info

Vancouver International Airport: A Gateway to Tourism and Culture

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is more than a world-class aviation hub—it’s a destination in its own right. Regularly ranked among North America’s best airports, YVR offers a seamless, engaging travel experience that attracts millions of visitors each year. For airlines, it’s a compelling gateway that connects passengers to the vibrant west coast of Canada and beyond.

Strategically located just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, YVR provides immediate access to one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally diverse cities. From the snow-capped mountains to the Pacific Ocean, the surrounding scenery is breathtaking year-round. Whether travelers are headed for skiing in Whistler, cruising to Alaska, or exploring Vancouver’s eclectic neighborhoods, YVR is the ideal starting point.

The airport itself is designed to inspire. With Indigenous art installations, a 114,000-liter aquarium filled with Pacific marine life, and locally inspired architecture, YVR gives passengers a taste of British Columbia from the moment they arrive. Travelers on layovers or short stays can enjoy exceptional shopping, gourmet dining, and wellness amenities—including spas and quiet lounges—without ever leaving the terminal.

Airlines benefit from YVR’s reputation for operational efficiency, safety, and award-winning customer service. The airport’s global connectivity and role as a major trans-Pacific hub make it a smart choice for expanding route networks. YVR also boasts Canada’s most extensive Asia-Pacific flight offerings, making it a preferred stop for international travelers.

Tourism operators, airlines, and passengers all thrive from the advantages of flying to YVR. With sustainable infrastructure, a traveler-focused experience, and direct access to world-class attractions, Vancouver International Airport is not just a stopover—it’s a gateway to adventure, culture, and business. For airlines, that means loyal passengers and profitable partnerships in one of North America’s most desirable destinations.