“I was a member of the Manila International Airport folk dance team when I was in elementary school. I got to perform on the tarmac when foreign leaders would come to visit. Fast forward 40 years, and now I'm the one that’s being welcomed in my hometown.” 

Economic benefits for Canada 

Air Canada’s inaugural flight from YVR to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) took off on April 2, 2025. Since then, more than 100,000 passengers have travelled on one of the four weekly flights, and 2,500 tonnes of cargo have been transported. 

The flight from Vancouver to Manila is delivering major economic benefits. Air Canada’s route out of YVR is estimated to generate $24.7 million in economic output, a $127 million boost to GDP, and the creation of 135 jobs across the ecosystem. Each new flight connecting YVR to the Asia–Pacific region strengthens our position as Canada’s gateway to Asia and creates opportunities to get more local products to global markets.  

Strengthening cultural ties 

For the 174,000+ people of Filipino descent living in British Columbia, Air Canada’s direct service makes it easier to connect with friends and relatives.  

“The majority of my family is in the Philippines,” says Macy Yap, a passenger on one of Air Canada’s direct YVR–Manila flights in February 2026. “When I didn’t have a baby, I would take whatever flight to get to a destination, even if it was one or two stopovers. Now I have a two-year-old. It made a pretty big difference not to have to get back off the plane and board another plane. It saves so much time.” 

The flight also benefits the Filipino community across the rest of North America. “I’ve had passengers [on this flight] coming home to the Philippines from New Jersey, North Carolina, California...” says Del Rosario. 

The in-flight meal provides a preview of the Filipino cuisine passengers will find in Manila. “To be on board a flight where people get to eat the food that we love to eat back home is something that I celebrate,” says Del Rosario. 

“I was pretty impressed with the food,” says Yap. “A pork coconut curry dish, cold noodle salad... every meal I had was good.” 

A warm and welcoming destination 

For Yap, the trip provided a welcome opportunity for her to catch up with family, including meeting her brother’s two-month-old baby, and to visit Manila’s beautiful beaches together. 

For tourists, the reasons to visit are equally compelling. “From the minute you arrive, you’ll want to come back,” says Del Rosario, citing the warm hospitality, beautiful islands and beaches, impressive dive sites, and delicious cuisine. 

“Everything is accessible within the airport area, from accommodations and food to history and tourism. And on the outskirts, you can find beautiful resorts, hot springs, home-style cooking, tropical fruit . . . You’ll fall in love with everything Manila and the country have to offer.” 

Air Canada’s four-time weekly flight to Manila operates year-round. For more information or to book, visit aircanada.com.  

Back in 1983, Vancouver was the airline’s first North American gateway, chosen when Cathay Pacific launched its inaugural long‑haul passenger service to the continent. What began as two weekly non‑stop flights to Hong Kong on a Boeing 747‑200 has grown during peak season into a robust schedule of 17 weekly non‑stop flights between our two cities. Since that first flight 43 years ago, over 14 million passengers have flown on Cathay Pacific to and from YVR.  

The partnership extends to supporting the economy through the movement of goods. Hong Kong consistently ranks among the airport’s most important global cargo destinations, and in 2024 it was YVR’s fourth‑largest export market. Cathay Pacific itself contributed more than 2.3 million kilograms of cargo carried from YVR to Hong Kong that year, supporting supply chains and businesses across the Lower Mainland.

Cathay Pacific’s history at YVR mirrors the airport’s growth as an international hub—expanding routes, modernizing facilities, and strengthening connections that support tourism, trade, and cultural ties.

Vancouver welcomed Cathay Pacific more than 40 years ago. Today, YVR once again becomes the place where a global celebration touches down first—honouring the past, elevating the present, and setting the stage for the future of travel as Canada’s Pacific gateway to Asia and beyond.

This new flight from YVR to Japan’s Hokkaido region takes off on December 17, 2026, making it the only non-stop service between Sapporo and North America. The three-times weekly service will run seasonally until March 2027.

By adding Sapporo to its global network, Air Canada is strengthening its connections through Vancouver. This move also supports YVR’s strategy as a major Trans-Pacific hub and will enhance the deep trade, economic, and cultural ties between Canada and Japan.

Flights will operate from YVR to Sapporo’s Chitose Hokkaido Airport (CTS) onboard Air Canada’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including seats in Signature Class, Premium Economy and Economy.

Every new route departing from YVR results in increased economic activity and jobs for our region. The new service to Sapporo is expected to generate $6 million in economic output, $3 million in GDP, and 33 full time jobs across the province. 

Learn more in Air Canada’s release: Air Canada Unveils its First-Ever Winter Seasonal Service to Sapporo 

For YVR, these new routes further strengthen regional connectivity and expand access across British Columbia. By adding more flights to Victoria and introducing direct service to Tofino, travellers now have even more seamless ways to link their journey to YVR’s global network, enhancing convenience, flexibility and choice for both residents and visitors. As travel options expand, YVR continues to serve as a global gateway connecting people, places, and communities throughout the province and beyond.  

With wheeled aircraft operating in a wider range of conditions, Harbour Air reduces weather-related disruption that can impact its floatplane operations, allowing for a more consistent and reliable service for travellers. This added reliability is especially valuable for travellers planning time-sensitive trips, whether commuting for work, attending family events, or making the most of a weekend escape 

Harbour Air flights between Vancouver and Victoria operate up to 19 times daily. The new Vancouver-to-Tofino flight offers four weekly departures. The flights will be operated by Harbour Air wheeled aircraft and can carry up to 19 passengers. 

Discover the destinations 

Victoria offers a seamless escape with 12 weekly flights from YVR, ideal for commuters, weekend travellers, and anyone visiting family or exploring the Island’s vibrant culture. British Columbia’s charming capital has something for everyone blending historic architecture, lush gardens, and a thriving arts and culinary scene. Families can explore the Royal BC Museum or wander Beacon Hill Park, while nature lovers enjoy coastal trails, gardens, and whale watching. And for film buffs, nearby Hatley Castle in Colwood might look familiar as it doubled as Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the X-Men films. 

Tofino is one of British Columbia’s most iconic destinations, renowned for its rugged coastline, surf culture, and year-round natural beauty. Harbour Air’s new direct route unlocks easier access to the Island and makes spontaneous getaways even easier. From storm watching in winter to surfing in summer, this new connection supports local tourism, small businesses, and community travel, making it easier for residents and visitors to experience the magic of the west coast without the long haul. 

This new non-stop service will make it easier than ever for Canadians to head south, whether for business or a sun-soaked escape. Flair’s new route brings the total number of weekly flights from YVR to Mexico City to 24, giving travellers plenty of flexibility to plan their next adventure.  

Every new route to YVR provides important economic benefits for our community through tourism and trade. Beyond convenience, the route is expected to generate over $4.1 million in GDP and create more than 40 full-time jobs, strengthening our local economy. And for B.C.’s growing Latin American community, 78 per cent of whom live in Metro Vancouver, another non-stop service to Mexico City provides an important way for loved ones to stay connected. 

For those ready to take advantage of this new connection, Mexico City offers endless opportunities. As one of the oldest cities in the Americas, it’s home to architectural wonders like Chapultepec Castle and world-class museums such as Museo Soumaya. Travellers could easily wander through the colorful streets of Coyoacán, visit Frida Kahlo’s iconic Blue House, or simply indulge in the city’s legendary food scene.  

Art lovers, food enthusiasts, and history buffs alike will discover an adventure that’s truly unforgettable. So, pack those bags, grab a passport, and get ready to say ¡Vamos! to Mexico City.  

Flair’s new non-stop service to Mexico City operates three times weekly, departing YVR at 5:10 pm. Flights are operated on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 189 seats. To learn more and book, visit Flair Airline website: flyflair.com 

Though, you didn’t have to be at YVR yesterday to experience the flavours of the Philippines. Hapag Ihaw Ihaw, along with five other local Filipino restaurants, were stops on YVR’s Taste of the Philippines food tour. Through Taste of the Philippines, YVR invited participants to explore these restaurants, where each stop gave participants the opportunity to win roundtrip airfare for two on this new route, courtesy of Air Canada. Participants ate their way through sizzling sisig, kare-kare, and halo-halo – so even those who didn’t win the airfare were still winners.  

Air Canada’s new YVR to MNL service will operate year-round, four times weekly. Manila represents Air Canada's 12th destination in Asia-Pacific with service from YVR, and the airline's first direct service to the Philippines.  

For further details on this new service and to book, please visit www.aircanada.com.