The airport has won several notable international best airport awards. It won theSkyTrax Best North American Airport award in 2007 and 2010 through 2022, for a record of 12 consecutive years, then again in 2024[7] and 2025.[8][9] The airport also made the top 10 list of airports in the world for the first time in 2012, rated at 9th (2012), 8th (2013), and 9th (2014) overall.[10] It is the only North American airport included in the top 10 for 2013 and 2014.[10][11][12][13] YVR also retains the distinction of Best Canadian Airport in the regional results.[14]
In 1929, the City of Vancouver purchased land located on Sea Island to be used for aviation purposes, replacing the original grass airstrip atMinoru Park onLulu Island. DuringWorld War II, the airport and its original terminal, now the South Terminal, were leased to the federal government and operated by theDepartment of National Defence and theDepartment of Transport asRCAF Station Sea Island. The airport was used for theBritish Commonwealth Air Training Plan. The crews and their families were housed in a new town-site on the island, namedBurkeville, after Boeing president Stanley Burke. Funds from the lease were used to purchase additional land for new hangars and a production plant for Boeing Aircraft of Canada[17] (nowBoeing Canada).
The present main terminal was completed in 1968 and has since been expanded to include separate domestic and international terminals. A north runway was completed in 1996.[18]
A United States border pre-clearance facility was created in the 1970s, and as of 2024 has the largest operating hours of any US pre-clearance facility, operating from 4:30 am to midnight the next day.[19]
In 2011, the airport announced that it would enact a program aiming to encourage airlines to start more flights between Vancouver and Asia.[20] As of 2022, the program has succeeded in many of its goals.
The airport has often been described as a major trans-Pacific hub due to its location in thePacific Northwest and destinations in the Americas, Asia, and Australia, which help facilitate connecting flights. In 2019, Craig Richmond, then President and CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, said that the recent growth ofSeattle–Tacoma International Airport in theUnited States could challenge Vancouver's status as a trans-Pacific hub, although Seattle/Tacoma is already the larger airport.[5]
Sea Island, where the airport is situated, is atsea level and has a 22-kilometre (14 mi) system ofdikes to protect the airport. The island has been identified as a location vulnerable to future storm surges and extreme weather events caused by climate change, requiring new pump stations and a raised dike.[21]
Vancouver International Airport has twoterminals: the Main Terminal and the South Terminal. The main terminal contains domestic and international concourses. Freeinternet access is available in all sections of the airport. Throughout the airport, there is trilingual English, French, and Chinese signage.[22] The South Terminal, along with the adjacent floatplane docks, is referred to by airport management as "Airport South.".[citation needed]
Air Canada domestic check-in facilities at the Domestic Terminal
The Domestic section of the terminal was constructed in 1968 by theVancouver-based firm Thompson, Berwick and Pratt[23] and was given a top-to-bottom renovation in 2005 by Vancouver architect Kasian Kennedy.[24] The Domestic area consists of three piers (A-C).
Pier B consists of 15 gates: gates B13 through B27. Gates B14 to B17 can receive international and US arrivals. Gate B23 to B25 are ground loading ramps. Pier B is the hub for domestic flights forWestJet, and additionally serves domestic flights byAir North,Air Transat,Flair Airlines andPorter Airlines.[citation needed]
Pier C consists of 24 gates: C29 through C52. This is the hub forAir Canada andAir Canada Express domestic flights. Gates C48 to C52 are swing gates, which can be used for international departures (designated as D48 to D52) as well as international and US arrivals.[citation needed]
International departure hallInternational arrivals hall
The International concourse was designed byVancouver-basedArchitectura, nowStantec,[25] withKansas City–basedHNTB Corporation (1994–1996).[23] It was expanded to the west between 2017 and 2021 to allow for more gates and more remote stand operations.[26] YVR is one of eight Canadian airports withUnited States border preclearance facilities, which are situated in this section of the terminal. All international concourse gates can accept flights arriving from international and U.S. origins; passengers are directed onto overhead walkways which lead to theCanada Border Services Agency screening area.
Pier D consists of 31 gates: D48 to D78, of which 7 (D56, D57, D59, D60, D61, D63, and D65) are bus gates for remote stands.[27] All international-bound flights, excluding those to the United States, depart from D gates. All gates can handlewide-body aircraft; 11 gates are fitted with 2jet bridges, and four of these gates can handle theAirbus A380, a service of which was seasonally operated to Vancouver byBritish Airways until September 26, 2022. Gates D48 to D52 are swing gates which can be used for domestic departures (designated C48 to C52), and gates D71 through D78 are swing gates which can be used forUnited States border preclearance flights (designated E71 through E78).
Corridor to the boarding gates after the US border clearance, with signs in English, French and Chinese
Preclearance was added to the airport in the 1970s.[19]
Pier E is theUS border preclearance area and consists of 25 gates: E71 to E88 and E90 to E96. Gates E71 to E78 are swing gates which can be used switched to international departures (as gates D71 to D78) as needed. Gate E84 is a bus gate for remote stands. Gates E90 through E96 are located in a smaller satellite building connected via a ground-level walkway. Gate E95 accesses ground-loading stands 95A and 95B.
Flights from an international origin continuing on to the US after a stopover in Vancouver (none of which currently operate) do not use the preclearance facility and must use D gates.[citation needed]
The South Terminal, a portion of the original pre-1968 terminal which is still in use, also houses the corporate headquarters and main base ofPacific Coastal Airlines[30] andHarbour Air.[31]
The South Terminal servesregional airlines which fly mostly within British Columbia, such as Pacific Coastal Airlines andCentral Mountain Air, in addition to chartered flights.[32] A nearby building serves as the YVR terminal forHelijet.[33]
TheVancouver International Water Airport (TCLID:CAM9) is located on Inglis Drive, a short distance from the South Terminal. This facility allows floatplanes to land and dock on the South Arm of theFraser River. The facility is served by all floatplane operators other thanHarbour Air, which maintains a separate dock and terminal at the Flying Beaver Bar and Grill nearby.[34]
Vancouver International has seen a steady increase in passenger volumes from 2010 to 2019. Between 2020 and 2021, patronage dropped significantly due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. The airport has seen a steady recovery of passengers, however; the patronage in 2022 was about 72% of the patronage in 2019.
The airport has a station on theSkyTrain network calledYVR–Airport, the terminus of the Sea Island branch of theCanada Line. The airport authority contributed $300 million towards construction as part of the Canada Line's funding.[145] A pedestrian footbridge ($117 million, completed in 2007) links the international terminal with the domestic terminal and serves as the arrival and departure area for users of the Canada Line.[146] The Canada Line itself opened in August 2009 as the third line of Vancouver'srapid transit network, in advance of the2010 Winter Olympics which took place the following February.[147] It was the onlyairport rail link service of any kind in Canada until the opening of Toronto'sUnion Pearson Express in 2015.
During peak hours on regular weekdays, trains are scheduled to depart every 6 minutes. Midday weekdays, trains depart every 8 minutes. During the evening and late night, trains depart every 12-15 minutes. On weekends and holidays, trains depart every 8-15 minutes, with higher frequency expected during hours with higher demand.[148] Icy and unfavorable weather conditions may impact train frequency and speed. Always be updated by checking online.[149]
When Canada Line service is interrupted, such as overnight or other service disruptions, the N10night bus operated byCoast Mountain Bus Company (under contract toTransLink) connects the airport's international and domestic terminals to Richmond and downtown Vancouver. The airport's south terminal is served by the 412 bus, which connects to the Canada Line atBridgeport Station.[150] Between 2001 and the Canada Line's opening in 2009, regular bus service was provided by TransLink route 424.
YVR Skylynx[151] is an official partner of YVR Vancouver Airport.
YVR Skylynx buses to Whistler run directly from YVR Vancouver Airport and Vancouver City Centre to Squamish, Creekside Village, and Whistler using up to 16 services a day. YVR Skylynx also operates daily services to Victoria from YVR Vancouver Airport viaBC Ferries Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route.
South runway at YVR in 2017 showing the lengthened runway
In preparation for the2010 Winter Olympics, YVR completed a $1.4-billion multi-year capital development plan, which included a four-gate expansion to the International Terminal Wing, completed in June 2007.[citation needed] Two of the four new gates are conventional wide-bodied gates and two can accommodate theAirbus A380.[citation needed] The international terminal addition includes interior design elements intended to represent British Columbia, including a stream in a pathway and fish and jellyfish tanks.
A five-gate expansion was completed in 2009 for Domestic Terminal's C-Pier.[citation needed] Food and retail expansions were also completed for the C Pier at this time. The train that links downtown Vancouver, YVR, and central Richmond opened in August 2009.
Vancouver International Airport Authority has developed a 2017–2037 Master Plan, named Flight Plan 2037 which includes 75 projects at a projected cost of $5.6 billion. The plan allows for the airport to serve 35 million passengers by 2037. The plan is calling for the expansion of facilities around the existing large terminal. New piers and gates are to be added, as well as a second parking garage and taxiways. It is also planned to improve vehicle access. Eight gates were added to the international terminal in the first phase which was completed in February 2021.[152] Final approval of the plan by theMinistry of Transport is needed.[153]
Indoor stream and shops inside the restricted zoneBill Reid'sThe Jade CanoeGraham Clarke atriumInternational arrivals lobby on Level 2Aquarium at YVR
YVR's interior has a uniquely British Columbian theme, featuring an extensive collection ofPacific Northwest Coast Native art, and blues and greens to reflect the colours of the land, sea, and sky. This theme was designed by Vancouver-based firmArchitectura. The airport uses a great deal of carpet and vast expanses of glass to let in large amounts of natural light. One of the most noticeable places for an arriving passenger is the international arrivals hall, a large area where customs and immigration procedures are completed. Arriving passengers come down escalators leading to a platform across a large waterfall.
In 2020, the expansion of International Pier D was completed with a glassed-in island forest with access to the outdoors and an immersive digital experience that explores the rugged British Columbia Coast.[154]
Pier D expansion with glassed-in island forest completed in 2020
The YVR aboriginal art collection includes wooden sculptures andtotem poles.Bill Reid's sculpture in bronze,TheSpirit of Haida Gwaii, The Jade Canoe, is displayed in the international departures area. This is the second of two castings of this sculpture; the first casting,The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Black Canoe, is now displayed outside theCanadian Embassy inWashington, D.C.[155] The Pacific Passage area includes artwork by Stan Wamiss andConnie Watts.[156] The Institute for Stained Glass in Canada has documented the stained glass at Vancouver International Airport.[157]
Since 1992, Vancouver Airport Authority has been working with an independent accessibility consultant to eliminate the physical barriers in the built environment and is "committed to providing fully accessible terminal facilities for people of all backgrounds and capabilities".[158]
In 2004, the airport received the Rick Hansen Accessibility Award, which recognizes "facilities and communities that improve the quality of life for people with mobility limitations".[159]
Designated short-term parking spaces and curb-side ramps are available on each level of the terminal building for vehicles displaying a valid SPARC permit. Accessible counters with toe clearance for wheelchair users are also available at the check-in, customer care, and retail area in Vancouver Airport. Bathrooms have also been designed to be wheelchair-accessible with doorless and no-touch entry features, lowered sinks, and hands-free bathroom dispensers. Grab bars and emergency call buttons are also present in all wheelchair-accessible toilet stalls.[160]
Low resistance carpeting and other materials such as laminate flooring have been utilized throughout the airport to make it easier for people using wheelchairs and walkers to move throughout the airport. Elevators are large and allow for easy turning in a wheelchair and special wheelchairs designed to fit down aircraft aisles are utilized to assist with boarding and de-planing. Wheelchair lifts have been installed at aircraft gates.[158]
"Visual pagers" are dedicated video monitors that are located throughout the airport and convey important information to travelers who have hearing impairments.
Various types of flooring are utilized throughout the terminal and function as a textured guide to assist travelers in identifying their location within the airport. In areas with tile, patterns in the tile help to identify exits. Tactile maps are also available at customer service counters throughout the airport, and braille and tactile lettering are used throughout the airport to indicate building features such as washrooms.[160]
Vancouver Airport Authority was one of the first airports in North America to institute a volunteer program in 1989.[161] Volunteers in a green vest/jacket are deployed around the airport to provide information, customer service and be the 'eyes and ears' for the various partners in the airport community between the hours of 6am to 10pm every day.[162] Volunteers are given basic training in airport operations and undertake many of the similar trainings mandated to airport employees. Each volunteer is required to obtain a Transportation Security Clearance and Restricted Area Identification Card to access the restricted and sterile areas of the terminal.
YVR Sustainability is an operations department at Vancouver International Airport that is concerned with airport green initiatives. It focuses on green initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of the airport's operations.[163] YVR's sustainability is also known for itsgreen art linked to the environment and community and its indoor nature displays.
YVR'sVancouver Airport Services created an energy reduction committee in 1999 to create new energy-reducing initiatives, including improved efficiency of baggage conveyor belts to shut down conveyors when no bags are present; installingcarbon dioxide sensors to adjustHVAC systems to the number of people in an area; and regulating electrical power for flight information display monitors when no flights are scheduled. In 2005, the committee installedLED lighting on severaltaxiways and more efficient, brighter lights on Levels 2 and 3 of the car parking structure, upgrades to the chilled water distribution system, and replacement of all Airport Authority computer equipment with newer, more efficient models."[164] The building and lighting system are designed to utilize as much daylight as possible so that it is the primary lighting source.[165] The Committee claims to have saved more than 24gigawatt hours of electricity and $5.5 million since the team's creation.[166]
In 2015, the airport set a goal for 50% of theground support equipment to run on electric power by the year 2020. This goal was achieved early, as by late 2019, 53% of these machines operated on electric power. The airport installed 50 charging stations to support this operation.[167] The airport also has a comprehensive fleet management plan, to ensure that ground support equipment operators maintain and electrify the fleet of the right size. They also have eightbattery electric apron buses to support the operation of aircraft on remote stands separate from the terminal building.[167]
Solar panel located in YVR rooftop parking lot
Thesolar-powered hot water systems were installed in the airport's Domestic and International terminals in 2003. The 100 solar panels were placed on the roof of the YVR building and will heat more than 800 gallons of water each hour.[168] This has resulted in approximately $110,000 and 8569 gigajoules saved each year.[169] The project was partly funded byBC Hydro working with the Vancouver International Airport Authority to reduce energy consumption and costs at YVR.[168] YVR also uses nightly energy set backs, carbon dioxidesensors, and improved scheduling and system tune-ups since 2001 which has led to a decrease of 25 per cent innatural gas usage.[166][164]
Loading area for taxis at YVR
YVR has 100 hybrid andnatural gas-operated taxis hired to pick up and drop off passengers. The Airport Authority created a program in 2004 that gave incentive foralternative fuel taxis and was successful by improving the average fleet fuel economy by 47% by 2009.[166] YVR has 450recycling containers evenly distributed and located around its terminals, divided forrecycling plastic and paper. The containers themselves are made from recycled aluminum, steel and plastic and help recycle over 1,250,000 kg of material each year.[166]
Green wall close up at YVR
In June 2009, YVR had a green wall installed by theCanada LineYVR–Airport Station and can best be viewed from the International Departures terminal on Level 3 and from the International Arrivals terminal on Level 2. This is the first Canadian airport with a livinggreen wall and the largest in North America. The green wall measures "18-metres high and 12 -metres wide and is home to 28,249 individual plants on 2,173 panels and houses a built-inirrigation and feeding system."[166] The plants it consists of areEuonymus japonicus microphyllus, Euonymus japonicus albovariegatus microphyllus,Polypodium glycyrrhiza, andOphiopogon japonicus nanus.[170] Benefits of a green wall on the building include improving air quality, reducing noise pollution (the green wall is located near the Sky Train), cooling the area down and saving on energy costs, and decreases carbon dioxide emissions in the environment. YVR includes other environmental indoor installations such as itsindoor garden,aquarium, and afreshwatercreek.[165] The 30,000 gallon salt water aquarium at YVR is home to about 850 samples of British Columbia marine life. There is also a 750-gallon jellyfish tank and a 60-metre long fresh water creek located nearby.[171]
The YVR Fuel project plans to build an undergroundpipeline and upgrade an airport fuel terminal near the Fraser River. In 2014, the YVR Fuel Project was granted approval with 64 conditions. An information bulletin posted by the Ministry of Environment of British Columbia announced that the project is "not expected to result in any significant adverse effects, based on the mitigation measures and conditions of theEnvironmental Assessment Certificate." Nonetheless, the YVR Airport Fuel Facilities will have to carry out the project in accordance to the conditions made by the Environmental Assessment Office. Key conditions deal with spill andfire prevention, preparedness and response, cleaning, inspection, dealing withpollution liabilities,environmental remediation, and compensating for Aboriginal loss under theFisheries Act.[172]Marine pilots will have to be specially trained for the river's environment, tankers double-hulled, pre-screened and each boat will have to have two tugs. The reason for the YVR fuel upgrade is because the Fuel Facilities Corp. states the current fuel-delivery system is not sustainable and too dependent on an older pipeline coming fromBurnaby, British Columbia and shipments fromWashington state. With its own fuel, YVR will have more room and independence to welcome new flights and airlines.[173]
The Vancouver International Airport Security submitted a 2009-2013 Noise Management Plan to theCanadian Ministry of Transport in August 2013 which was reviewed and approved. This Management Plan included initiatives to help with noise complaints that YVR Security had received. A total of 16 initiatives were identified and are outlined in the Noise Management Plan. The plan is flexible and allows room for new community issues that may arise within the five-year program. The plan's main goal is to balance the needs of having 24-hour airport services while minimizing noise disturbances associated with aircraft services for those living nearby.[174]
Following theSeptember 11 attacks, the airspace over the United States was shut down. Aircraft over the North Atlantic and Pacific bound for the United States were therefore diverted to Canadian airports. Vancouver International Airport accommodated 34 of these flights (3rd highest afterHalifax andGander) amounting to a total of 8,500 passengers.
The airport won the 2001 Airport Management Award from the B.C. Aviation Council[175] and was cited for overcoming many challenges in a professional and compassionate way.[176]
YVR Fire & Rescue[177] is the primary fire service at the airport, responding to aircraft emergencies as well as medical and environmental emergencies on airport property. The airport fire station has seven Oshkosh Striker ARFF crash trucks, a Pierce Arrow XT Engine, and an F-550 medical truck that are owned by the Vancouver Airport Authority. Richmond Fire has additional resources when required from Richmond Fire Hall #4 (Sea Island) at 3900 Russ Baker Way, as well as theCanadian Coast Guard.
Policing at the airport is provided by theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police Richmond detachment. Airport emergency health services are provided by theBritish Columbia Ambulance Service, with Station 270 providing a dedicated bike squad for rapid EMS response to passengers and staff. In addition, BCAS air ambulance Station 280 is located near the YVR South Terminal, providing air ambulance service with twoSikorsky S-76 helicopters, twoBeechcraft Super King Air turboprop aircraft, and oneCessna Citation Bravo jet.
On February 7, 1968, aCanadian Pacific AirlinesBoeing 707 overran a runway and hit two buildings, vehicles, and parked aircraft while landing in heavy fog, killing one crew member and one person on the ground.[178]
On March 1, 1970,Vickers Viscount CF-THY ofAir Canada collided in mid-air with anErcoupe 415 CF-SHN on approach to Vancouver International Airport. The Ercoupe pilot was killed.[179]
On June 23, 1985, two pieces of unauthorized luggage containing bombs were checked in at the airport and loaded onto Canadian Pacific Airlines Flight 60 to Toronto and Canadian Pacific Airlines Flight 3 to Tokyo respectively. Upon exploding, the former killed all 329 on boardAir India Flight 182, and the latter, intended for Air India Flight 301,exploded at Tokyo Narita International Airport, killing two baggage handlers.
On August 19, 1995,Douglas C-47B (DC-3) C-GZOF ofAir North crashed during an emergency return to the airport, killing one of the three crew. The aircraft was on a ferry flight toPrince Rupert Airport when the starboard propeller went intooverspeed and the decision was made to return to Vancouver International.[180]
On October 19, 1995, aCanadian AirlinesMcDonnell Douglas DC-10 aborted takeoff on runway 26 (now 26L) two seconds after theV1 call. The aircraft ended up in the soft ground west of the end of runway, causing the failure of the nose gear. All 243 passengers and 14 crew escaped with no more than minor injuries.[181]
On October 14, 2007, a Polish immigrant,Robert Dziekanski, died after being shot with ataser by theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police at the airport. Dziekański, who did not speak English, became agitated after waiting approximately 10 hours at the arrivals hall because he could not find his mother. While police were attempting to take Dziekanski into custody he was tased by officers and subsequently died. The subsequentBraidwood Inquiry began in May 2008. In June 2010, the judge found that the use of the taser was not justified. The RCMP issued an apology to Dziekanski's mother. The commission also found that tasers have the capability to injure or kill by causing heart irregularities, especially where the individual is medically or emotionally compromised.[183]
On October 19, 2007, at approximately 4:10pm, aPiper Seneca bound forPitt Meadows Airport took off from YVR and crashed into a nearby apartment building in Richmond. The pilot was the sole occupant of the plane. He was killed in the crash. Two others were injured, both of whom were in the apartment building at the time.[184]
On September 18, 2008, in the afternoon, an Air CanadaAirbus A340 collided with anAir Canada JazzDash 8 aircraft. The Jazz flight wastaxiing on the runway when it collided. The Air Canada flight was bound forHong Kong. Both aircraft received damage but there were no injuries or fatalities.[185]
On July 9, 2009, at approximately 10:08pm, aPiper Navajo airplane originating fromVictoria crashed into an industrial area inRichmond, British Columbia. The two pilots were killed. It was owned and operated by Canadian Air Charters and was carrying units of blood forCanadian Blood Services at the time. Officials say that wake turbulence was the main cause of the crash. Fatigue, along with diminished depth perception in darkness, was also a factor.[186]
On October 27, 2011, aNorthern Thunderbird AirBeechcraft King Air 100 attempted to land on the south runway but missed by about 900 metres (3,000 ft), hitting a lamppost and a car, then crashing on the nearby intersection on Russ Baker Way and Gilbert Road at the west end of theDinsmore Bridge. There were seven passengers and two crew members on board; only the pilot was confirmed dead at 9:00pm that evening, while the others survived with various injuries. Two on the ground were also injured.[187] On November 16, 2011, the co-pilot of the flight died in hospital.[188]
On May 9, 2021, a 28-year-old man was fatally shot outside the international terminal.[189] TheIntegrated Homicide Investigation Team said the shooting was targeted and linked to ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict in Metro Vancouver. Richmond RCMP pursued a suspect vehicle from the terminal toLulu Island, where the suspects reportedly shot at police.[citation needed] The vehicle was later found burned-out inSurrey.[citation needed]
On November 19, 2024, anAmazon AirBoeing 767-300F operated byCargojet Airways overran the north runway and slid into the grass while landing around 1:45 am, causing substantial damage to the aircraft.[190] No one was injured.
On July 15, 2025, aCessna 172 owned by the Victoria Flying Club was "hijacked" upon departure fromVictoria International Airport. Around 1:10 pm, the aircraft entered the airport's airspace for around 30 minutes, shutting down the airport and diverting arrivals. The lone occupant of the plane was arrested upon landing at YVR.[191][192]
^Picard, A. (June 12, 2004). Vancouver Airport Wins New Hansen Prize for Accessibility.The Globe and Mail
^abGovernment of Canada. (n.d.). Access to Travel. Retrieved October 20, 2012, from Accessibility of Airport Terminals: accesstotravel.gc.ca/9b3.aspx?lang=en
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