Vancouver International Airport (YVR) stands as Canada’s second busiest airport and one of North America’s premier international gateways. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, just 12 kilometers from downtown Vancouver, YVR has evolved from humble beginnings into a world-class facility renowned for its efficiency, distinctive design, and commitment to passenger experience. This comprehensive overview explores YVR’s rich history, current operations, facilities, and future development plans.
YVR History
YVR’s story began in 1931 with a single runway and a small, wood-frame administration building that welcomed just 1,072 passengers in its inaugural year. The airport’s opening celebrations brochure ambitiously proclaimed that few cities “can boast an airport and seaplane harbour as magnificent in its conception and with such a wonderful future ahead as can Vancouver.”
During World War II, the airport underwent significant expansion to support military operations. The post-war period brought the jet age in the 1960s, necessitating further development of the facility.
A major milestone came in 1968 with the opening of a new terminal designed by local architects Thompson, Berwick & Pratt, and Phillips, Barratt & Partners. At the time, Airport Manager Bill Inglis noted the forward-thinking design, stating that the terminal “won’t be outdated soon because it’s designed to expand.”
The 1980s marked a period of tremendous growth for international service at YVR. British Airways became the first European scheduled carrier to operate between YVR and London in the early 1980s, followed by Cathay Pacific Airways and Lufthansa in 1983, and KLM in 1986. This decade also saw Canadian Airlines begin direct service to mainland China with flights to Shanghai, and in 1989, Air China became the first carrier based in the People’s Republic of China to operate at YVR.
The most transformative development came in the 1990s with the construction of the International Terminal Building (ITB) and a new 9,940-foot parallel runway, dramatically expanding the airport’s capacity and solidifying its position as a global gateway.
YVR Quick Facts and Statistics
- IATA Code: YVR
- ICAO Code: CYVR
- Location: Sea Island, Richmond, BC, 12 km from downtown Vancouver
- Size: Located on Sea Island, a dike-walled island in the Fraser River
- Passenger Traffic: 26.2 million passengers in 2024 (second-highest in airport history)
- Cargo Volume: 339,000 tonnes in 2024 (a record high)
- Ranking: Second busiest airport in Canada
- Economic Impact: Approximately $15 billion contribution to Canada’s GDP
- Airlines: 51 airlines serving YVR
- Destinations: 120 destinations across Canada and around the world
- Trans-Pacific Hub: More direct flights to China than any other airport in North America or Europe
- Awards: Won the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award for a record 12 consecutive years (2010-2022)
Terminal Facilities and Design
Vancouver International Airport is celebrated for its distinctive architecture and design that reflects British Columbia’s natural beauty and Indigenous heritage. The terminal is divided into several key areas:
Main Terminal Complex
The Main Terminal consists of the Domestic and International Terminal Buildings, connected by a central hub. Key features include:
- Domestic Terminal (Pier B and C): Serves flights within Canada. Pier B is the hub for WestJet domestic flights, while Pier C serves as the hub for Air Canada and Air Canada Express domestic operations.
- International Terminal: Designed by Vancouver-based Architectura (now Stantec) and Kansas City-based HNTB Corporation, this facility handles flights to destinations outside Canada and the United States. It was expanded between 2017 and 2021 to add more gates and remote stand operations.
- US Preclearance Facility: YVR is one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities, allowing passengers to clear US Customs and Immigration before departure.
- Indigenous Art and Design: Throughout the terminal, passengers encounter a remarkable collection of Indigenous art, including carvings, sculptures, and totem poles that showcase the rich cultural heritage of British Columbia’s First Nations.
- Natural Elements: The terminal incorporates wood, water features, and natural light to create a distinctly West Coast atmosphere that has become a signature element of YVR’s identity.
South Terminal
The South Terminal serves regional airlines that fly primarily within British Columbia, such as Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air, as well as chartered flights. Nearby, the Vancouver International Water Airport allows floatplanes to land and dock on the South Arm of the Fraser River, providing unique connectivity to coastal and island communities.
Airlines and Destinations
As a major international gateway, YVR serves as a hub for several airlines:
- Air Canada: YVR is a major hub for Canada’s flag carrier
- WestJet: The second-largest Canadian airline maintains a significant presence
- Pacific Coastal Airlines: Regional carrier connecting smaller BC communities
- Harbour Air: World’s largest seaplane airline operates from the nearby water terminal
YVR’s strategic location on the Pacific Rim has established it as a crucial trans-Pacific connecting point. The airport offers extensive service to:
- Asia: Comprehensive connections to China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia
- Europe: Direct flights to major European hubs including London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris
- North America: Extensive network across Canada and the United States
- Oceania: Connections to Australia and New Zealand
- Latin America: Service to Mexico and seasonal flights to select destinations in Central and South America
A daily year-round wide-body international flight, such as Air Canada’s service from YVR to Shanghai, generates approximately $33 million in GDP and supports nearly 400 jobs at the airport and in industries such as tourism and hospitality.
Ground Transportation
Vancouver International Airport benefits from excellent transportation connections to the city and surrounding region:
SkyTrain Canada Line
The Canada Line provides rapid transit rail service directly connecting YVR to downtown Vancouver and Richmond:
- Travel Time: Under 30 minutes to downtown Vancouver, 18 minutes to downtown Richmond
- Frequency: Trains run approximately every 6-7 minutes throughout the day
- Accessibility: The YVR Airport station is centrally located between the International and Domestic Terminals
- Hours of Operation: First train around 5:00 AM, with service until approximately 1:00 AM
- Fares: A $5 “YVR AddFare” is applied to single-use tickets purchased at Sea Island stations for travel to Vancouver or Richmond
YVR has one of the highest public transit usage rates among North American airports, with approximately 25% of travelers and workers using public transit, including 20% using the SkyTrain Canada Line.
Other Transportation Options
- Taxis and Ridesharing: Available curbside at designated areas
- Car Rentals: On-site rental facilities with major providers
- Hotel Shuttles: Complimentary service to various area hotels
- Public Buses: TransLink operates bus routes serving the airport and connecting to regional destinations
- Limousines and Private Transportation: Available through numerous providers
Future Plans and Development
YVR continues to evolve with several major initiatives planned for the coming years:
YVR 2037 Master Plan
Originally conceived as a comprehensive $5.6 billion expansion program called “Flight Plan 2037,” YVR’s long-term development strategy has been adjusted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging priorities. Key aspects include:
- Terminal Expansions: Phased extensions to terminal areas to accommodate growing passenger numbers
- Land Use Diversification: In 2022, Transport Canada approved amendments to YVR’s Land Use Plan, enabling the airport to develop land assets for non-aeronautical purposes to diversify revenue streams
- Cargo and Logistics Growth: Enhanced focus on expanding cargo capabilities and logistics operations
- Sustainable Development: Commitment to reaching net-zero emissions in airport authority operations by 2030
Airport Commerce Centre
A significant development underway is the conversion of a partially-built utilities building into the Airport Commerce Centre, providing 300,000 square feet of industrial and potential office space adjacent to the SkyTrain station and terminal buildings. This facility will support increased commercial activity and serve as a business gateway due to its strategic location.
Future Transportation Enhancements
Plans include potential improvements to the SkyTrain Canada Line service at YVR, including the possibility of creating a second platform at YVR Airport Station to reduce overcrowding and improve passenger flow.
Vancouver International Airport represents much more than just a transportation facility; it’s a vital economic engine for British Columbia and a gateway connecting Canada to the world. With its distinctive West Coast design, commitment to Indigenous art and culture, and strategic development vision, YVR continues to set standards for airport excellence while supporting the region’s economic growth and connectivity needs.
As YVR celebrates over 90 years of operations, it remains true to its founding vision as a magnificent facility with a wonderful future ahead—a future that continues to unfold with each new passenger, flight, and development project.
Keyword: TopAirports