Marking 30 years of Our North Runway and expanded terminal

A new chapter in international travel begins with the opening of YVR’s expanded terminal building

As YVR expands its terminal capacity, the Open Skies agreement introduces new opportunities for transborder travel and increased U.S. traffic.

The North Runway and control tower open, increasing YVR’s capacity for aircraft traffic in partnership with NAV Canada.

Becoming Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond. Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines land at YVR with regular service, affirming the need for expanded runway and terminal capacity and strengthening the airport’s role as Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond. Both carriers continue to operate at YVR today.

WestJet takes off in Canada, launching service from YVR to Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and Winnipeg before expanding its network to include Regina, Saskatoon and Victoria by the end of its inaugural year.

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport opens, expanding YVR's offerings beyond air travel and bringing world-class hospitality directly into the terminal. The hotel becomes a defining part of the passenger experience at YVR.

Canadian Airlines was integrated into Air Canada, bringing its established YVR network under the Air Canada banner. This milestone strengthened Air Canada’s presence in Vancouver and further established YVR as its Asia-Pacific gateway.

In the wake of 9/11, YVR’s world-class infrastructure and operational readiness enabled the airport to support emergency diversions and assist thousands of stranded passengers during an unprecedented disruption to global air travel.

YVR is named Best Airport in North America by Skytrax for the first time, recognizing the dedication of employees across the airport community who work together to deliver an exceptional passenger experience. Since then, YVR has earned this distinction 15 times and has received numerous other awards recognizing excellence in customer service, sustainability, accessibility and innovation.

With the installation of 100 solar panels, YVR launches one of British Columbia’s largest solar-powered hot water systems, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations.

A new UPS facility opens at YVR, enhancing the airport’s cargo network and reinforcing its role as a key gateway for trade, commerce and economic opportunity.

YVR unveils a 114,000-litre marine exhibit developed in partnership with the Vancouver Aquarium in the International Departures terminal. Showcasing thousands of plants and animals native to British Columbia’s coastal waters, the aquarium further strengthens YVR’s commitment to creating a uniquely West Coast sense of place for travellers.

The Canada Line opens, providing a fast and convenient rapid transit link between YVR, Richmond and downtown Vancouver. For the first time, passengers, employees and local residents can travel directly to the airport by SkyTrain, strengthening YVR’s connection to the communities it serves.

Years of investment in airport infrastructure, including the expanded international terminal, North Runway and Canada Line, position YVR to serve as the primary gateway for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, welcoming athletes, officials, media and visitors from around the world.

YVR continued to strengthen its role as a global gateway, welcoming new airline partners and expanding connections to key markets around the world. Among the airlines that joined YVR during this period are China Southern (2011), ANA (2014), Turkish Airlines (2021), JetBlue (2022) and Fiji Airways (2022).

YVR becomes home to North America’s first World Duty Free-branded store, enhancing the international travel experience while capturing growing international traffic and increasing non-aeronautical revenue.

YVR introduces BorderXpress technology, streamlining border processing and reducing wait times while enhancing the arrival experience for international travellers.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport opens as the first designer outlet centre in Greater Vancouver, strengthening YVR’s role as an economic driver, tourism gateway and community destination.

With 469 passengers in four cabins, British Airways’ Airbus A380 begins summer service from Vancouver to London Heathrow, a first for YVR.

On National Indigenous Peoples Day, YVR and Musqueam sign a landmark agreement, advancing a partnership that is the foundation for working together in service of a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for the community.

YVR earns Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Gold, recognizing its commitment to creating an accessible and inclusive airport experience for all travellers and marking an important milestone in the evolution of the terminal experience.

YVR welcomes 26.3 million passengers, the highest annual passenger volume in the airport’s history at the time, reflecting decades of growth in connectivity, capacity and traveller demand.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, YVR opened its North Runway for a special Terry Fox Run, bringing together employees, industry partners and community members to support cancer research and celebrate the enduring legacy of Terry Fox.

The international terminal enters a new chapter with the addition of new gates and passenger spaces, enabling YVR to welcome more travellers, more aircraft and new opportunities for global connections.

YVR achieves Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation, recognizing years of investments in sustainable infrastructure and operational efficiency across the international terminal and airport campus, and marking an important milestone on the path to Net Zero 2030.

Building on the foundation of the international terminal, YVR leverages new technologies to make travel more seamless, efficient and intuitive for passengers. This includes the introduction of biometric technology to streamline the travel experience.

YVR welcomes more than 26.9 million travellers, marking a new all-time record, with cargo shipments also reaching their highest volumes in the airport’s 94-year history.

Nearly 30 years after its opening, YVR completes a major modernization of the North Runway to ensure the longevity and resilience of this critical piece of airport infrastructure. This was a pivotal project for Musqueam and YVR, with Musqueam involved in every stage of the program. The work was conducted on traditional Musqueam territory, in an area that Musqueam members had not been able to walk on or visit since the original runway was constructed some 30 years earlier.

YVR’s tireless work with airlines, tourism organizations and other stakeholders to strengthen its position as a global hub and a critical gateway between North America, Asia and beyond continues.