YVR honours the people who power British Columbia’s gateway to the world

Musqueam Territory/Richmond, B.C. (June 25, 2026): Today, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) joined airports across Canada in recognizing Airport Workers Day, a national initiative celebrating the people whose expertise, teamwork, and dedication keep Canada connected.

YVR was pleased to welcome federal and provincial representatives, Musqueam Council members, and the airport community to celebrate the 28,000 people working across Sea Island in hundreds of specialized roles that keep passengers and cargo moving safely and efficiently in service of our community and the economy that supports it.

"Airports are often measured by the destinations they serve, the passengers they welcome, or the economic activity they generate," said Richard Beed, Vice President of People & Culture at Vancouver International Airport. "But none of that happens without the people who show up every day to keep this critical infrastructure running safely and reliably. Airport Workers Day is an opportunity to recognize their extraordinary contribution and thank them for the professionalism that passengers experience every day."

Every departure and arrival at YVR relies on dedicated employees. From frontline customer service representatives and baggage handlers to maintenance crews and technicians to security personnel, airline staff, airside operations teams, emergency responders, custodians, retail and restaurant workers, and countless others, airport workers are the backbone of the country’s complex transportation system.

As Canada’s second busiest airport and the Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond, YVR plays a critical role in facilitating travel and tourism while also connecting B.C. to global markets. In 2025, YVR welcomed a record 26.9 million passengers and moved approximately 365,000 tonnes of cargo, representing approximately $35 billion in goods. These trade and cargo movements are essential to our region and province, and country, particularly as YVR focuses on doubling cargo volumes by 2031 and getting more of Canada to the world. All of which is enabled by a diverse group of employees who move what matters every day.

As part of today’s celebration, airport workers came together to create a collaborative art installation representing the many employees who keep people and cargo moving through YVR every day. The completed display will serve as a visual reminder of the thousands of people who make up the airport community.

Airport Workers Day also recognizes outstanding contributions across Canada’s aviation sector through peer-nominated awards celebrating dedication and leadership nationally. For the past three years running, YVR colleagues have proudly been among those recognized. This year, Jessica Chan is being recognized for her leadership and contributions to sustainability and environmental initiatives at YVR.

“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the YVR community and to work alongside so many talented people who are passionate about what they do,” said Jessica Chan, Field Engineer, former Environmental Technician at YVR, and 2026 Winner of the Airport Worker’s Day Rising Star Award. “This recognition reflects the collaboration that happens across the airport every day and our shared commitment to finding new ways to support our passengers, our community and a more sustainable future.”

Visit news.yvr.ca to learn more about Airport Workers Day and explore profiles of YVR’s national award recipients who help YVR thrive. Photos from today's event are available here.

Quick Facts

• In 2025, YVR welcomed a record 26.9 million passengers
• Cargo moving through YVR includes high-value seafood and agriculture products, pharmaceuticals, precious metals and critical minerals, technology, and industrial machinery
• YVR supports 115,000 jobs across British Columbia and enables $13.5 billion in provincial GDP annually
• The 28,000 people working across Sea Island represent hundreds of roles and organizations that support safe and efficient airport operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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Additional quotes:

“Airport workers keep Canada moving and are at the heart of our aviation industry. Their contributions support jobs, strengthen trade, and help drive economic growth in communities across British Columbia every single day. Thank you to the thousands of airport workers in B.C. whose hard work keeps Canada connected to the world."
- Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Delta

“Airport Workers Day is an important opportunity to recognize the thousands of people whose hard work keeps YVR running safely and smoothly every day. From the runways to the terminals, these workers connect our communities, support our economy and welcome the world to British Columbia. I want to thank every one of them for their dedication and the vital role they play in getting people and goods moving, whether for home, business, or travel.”
– Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and MLA for Richmond-Steveston

"Airport Workers Day is about recognizing the people who keep Canada connected. From supporting passengers and cargo to maintaining safe and efficient operations, airport workers are the foundation of our aviation system. This year, we’re proud to celebrate exceptional individuals like Jessica Chan, whose contributions at YVR reflect the dedication and innovation happening across the airport community. Today, we recognize the excellence of this year’s award recipients and the vital contributions of the more than 224,000 airport workers who help keep Canada moving every day.”
– Monette Pasher, President of Canadian Airports Council.