Lois Larson
Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The airport code for Vancouver International Airport is YVR. The airport is located 12 km from Downtown Vancouver and is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Vancouver International Airport |
| Airport Code | YVR |
| Location | Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia |
| Distance from Downtown Vancouver | 12 km (7.5 mi) |
| Passenger Traffic Ranking in Canada | Second busiest |
| Number of Direct Flights to China | More than any other airport in North America or Europe |
| Hubs | Air Canada, WestJet |
| US Border Preclearance Facilities | Yes |
| Floatplane Terminal | Yes |
| Awards | SkyTrax Best North American Airport (2007, 2010-2022) |
| Notable Features | Native artwork, abundant glass and steel, large open spaces, SkyTrain link to Vancouver |
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What You'll Learn
Vancouver International Airport's IATA code is YVR
Vancouver International Airport, located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, is identified by the IATA code YVR. YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, serving 26.2 million passengers. As a trans-Pacific hub, YVR has more direct flights to China than any other airport in North America or Europe. The airport is a hub for Air Canada and WestJet and has won several notable international best airport awards.
The airport's present main terminal was completed in 1968 and has since been expanded to include separate domestic and international terminals. The Domestic section of the terminal was constructed by the Vancouver-based firm Thompson, Berwick, and Pratt and was renovated in 2005 by Vancouver architect Kasian Kennedy. It consists of three piers (A-C), with Pier B serving as the hub for domestic flights for WestJet.
The International concourse was designed by Vancouver-based Architectura, now Stantec, in collaboration with the Kansas City-based HNTB Corporation. It was expanded between 2017 and 2021 to accommodate more gates and remote stand operations. YVR is one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities, allowing for efficient processing of international arrivals.
YVR offers various amenities for travellers, including free Wi-Fi, plug outlets, duty-free shops, and native artwork. It is accessible via the SkyTrain, providing convenient transportation to and from the airport. The airport also features a SkyTeam airport lounge and the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, ensuring a comfortable waiting experience for passengers.
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The airport is located on Sea Island, Richmond, British Columbia
Vancouver International Airport (IATA: YVR, ICAO: CYVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia. The airport is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver and is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, serving 26.2 million passengers. As a trans-Pacific hub, YVR has more direct flights to China than any other airport in North America or Europe.
The history of the airport on Sea Island dates back to 1929 when the City of Vancouver purchased the land for aviation purposes. During World War II, the airport was leased to the federal government and operated by the Department of National Defence and the Department of Transport. The original terminal, now known as the South Terminal, was an important part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan during the war.
The present main terminal was completed in 1968 and has since undergone expansions and renovations. The Domestic section of the terminal was constructed by the Vancouver-based firm Thompson, Berwick, and Pratt and was renovated in 2005 by Vancouver architect Kasian Kennedy. The International concourse, on the other hand, was designed by Arquitectura (now Stantec) in collaboration with the HNTB Corporation.
Vancouver International Airport is well-known for its modern design, featuring an abundance of glass and steel, as well as open spaces and native artwork. The airport has won several awards, including the SkyTrax Best North American Airport award for 12 consecutive years (2007-2022). YVR offers various amenities, including free Wi-Fi, plug outlets, shops, and airport greeters to assist travellers.
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It is Canada's second busiest airport
Vancouver International Airport, with the airport code YVR, is not just a gateway to the beautiful city of Vancouver, but it is also Canada's second-busiest airport by aircraft movements and passenger traffic. Located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, just 12 km (7.5 miles) from downtown Vancouver, YVR is a significant hub for domestic and international travel. In 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport handled over 26 million passengers and saw over 307,000 aircraft movements.
Being Canada's second-busiest airport brings a lot of attention and recognition to YVR. It serves as a hub for several prominent airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, ensuring connectivity to numerous destinations worldwide. The airport's busy status contributes to its economic significance, generating billions of dollars in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs in the region.
The airport's busy nature is attributed to several factors. Firstly, Vancouver is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning natural scenery, mild climate, and diverse cultural offerings. It serves as a gateway to popular destinations like Whistler, Victoria, and the Rocky Mountains. Additionally, Vancouver is a major metropolitan center with a large population, contributing to a significant demand for air travel.
YVR also serves as an important cargo hub, further contributing to its busy status. In 2019, the airport handled over 326,000 metric tons of cargo. Its strategic location makes it an ideal transit point for cargo flights, especially for goods traveling between North America and Asia. The airport's efficient cargo infrastructure and facilities further enhance its appeal for cargo operations.
Maintaining the position as the second-busiest airport comes with its challenges. One of the primary concerns is managing capacity and ensuring efficient operations. To address this, YVR has undergone significant expansions and upgrades over the years to enhance its infrastructure. This includes expanding terminal buildings, improving runway systems, and introducing new technologies to streamline passenger processing and baggage handling.
Being Canada's second-busiest airport, YVR holds a significant role in the country's aviation industry and contributes to Vancouver's reputation as a world-class city. The airport's continuous efforts to enhance its facilities and passenger experience ensure that it remains a competitive and attractive aviation hub. With its convenient location, efficient operations, and connectivity, YVR is well-positioned to continue thriving and serving the needs of travelers and the aviation industry.
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It has a SkyTeam airport lounge and free Wi-Fi
The airport code for Vancouver, Canada, is YVR. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, and is around 12 km from Downtown Vancouver. It is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic, with around 26.2 million passengers.
Vancouver International Airport has a SkyTeam airport lounge, which is located near Gate D53 in the west wing of the airport's International Concourse D. The lounge offers two wings, with the left wing dedicated to freshening up and refuelling, and the right wing for relaxing and working. The left wing has showers and a dining area with a noodle station and a self-service buffet. The right wing features a spacious seating area, a well-stocked bar, and a buffet with a wide selection of international dishes. The lounge offers complimentary Wi-Fi, and access is available for First and Business Class customers, as well as Elite Plus members, of SkyTeam member airlines serving YVR, including Aeroméxico, Air France, China Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
In addition to the SkyTeam lounge, Vancouver International Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport. However, some travellers have noted that the Wi-Fi connection can be slow during peak hours.
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The airport has won several 'best airport' awards
The airport code for Vancouver International Airport is YVR.
Awards and Recognition
Vancouver International Airport has won several notable international best airport awards. The airport has received recognition for its accessibility features, management, and overall quality of service. Here are some of the awards received by YVR:
Skytrax Best North American Airport Award
Vancouver International Airport has consistently been recognized as one of the best airports in North America. It won the Skytrax Best North American Airport award for 12 consecutive years from 2007 to 2022. In 2025, it once again claimed the top spot as the best airport in North America, according to Skytrax. This award is based on passenger feedback and independent customer satisfaction surveys, evaluating various aspects of the airport experience.
Rick Hansen Accessibility Award
In 2004, the airport received the Rick Hansen Accessibility Award. This award recognizes facilities that improve the quality of life for people with mobility limitations. Vancouver International Airport has been working to eliminate physical barriers and provide accessible terminal facilities for all passengers, regardless of their capabilities.
Airport Management Award
Following the September 11 attacks, Vancouver International Airport accommodated a significant number of diverted flights and passengers. The airport's professional and compassionate handling of this challenging situation was recognized by the B.C. Aviation Council, who presented them with the 2001 Airport Management Award.
Other Rankings and Recognition
In addition to these awards, YVR has consistently ranked highly in global airport rankings. In 2025, it was ranked as the 13th best airport in the world by Skytrax. The airport has also received praise for its design, incorporating native artwork, open spaces, and abundant use of glass and steel, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Additionally, YVR offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, plug outlets, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport code for Vancouver International Airport is YVR.
Vancouver International Airport offers free Wi-Fi, native artwork, and a SkyTrain link to the city of Vancouver.
Airlines that fly out of Vancouver International Airport include Air Canada, Flair Airlines, United, and Alaska Airlines.
