“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.

“By connecting Vancouver directly to Central America, we are opening new opportunities for both travel and tourism,” said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at Vancouver International Airport. “The strategic addition of this seasonal international flight further strengthens YVR as a diverse global hub, providing an excellent option for travellers from B.C. and Western Canada to Costa Rica and beyond as well as for Latin American visitors to Western Canada.” 

The launch of this route is more than just a new flight—it is a gateway to enhanced connectivity with passengers now able to enjoy seamless travel for both leisure and business. With this addition, YVR will now provide non-stop service to 103 global destinations for the 2025/2026 winter season, further supporting its strategy to expand direct access for passengers and that drives economic growth for the region.

"We’re thrilled to celebrate the launch of our new non-stop service between Vancouver and Liberia, Costa Rica, connecting more Canadians to the warmth and adventure of Central America. This new route underscores our commitment to enhancing travel and trade opportunities across our network, while providing guests in British Columbia with greater choice and convenience for their winter getaways," said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director, Alliances and Airport Affairs.

Flights with WestJet from Vancouver to Liberia, Costa Rica operate once weekly throughout the winter season until April 2026 and are scheduled to depart YVR on Fridays at 12:05 a.m. local time, arriving at Liberia International Airport (LIR) at 09:21 a.m. local time.

WestJet passengers travelling to Costa Rica can enjoy a special limited-time promotion at YVR, with 25% off Plaza Premium Lounge access from December 12 until December 26, 2025. Please see a representative at the lounge to redeem this offer.

WestJet is operating this route using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 174 seats. For further details on this new service and to book, please visit www.westjet.com.

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 

The new T’way service provides the community with even more flexibility and convenience when travelling to South Korea and connections across Asia, but the benefits of this new service go beyond passengers alone. An additional air connection provides increased cargo capacity to further diversify trading markets and get British Columbian and Canadian products to consumers in Asia and around the world. 2024 was a record-breaking year for cargo out of YVR with more than 339,000 tonnes of goods shipped through the airport and South Korea is YVR’s number two air export destination.

"British Columbia has long had strong ties with South Korea and is home to a large Korean community that continues to make significant contributions to the cultural diversity and prosperity of our province,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. “This affordable direct flight will allow people to stay connected with friends and family across the Pacific and also means that it will be faster and easier to do business with our fourth largest trading partner, strengthening the economic ties between us during a time of global uncertainty.”

“This new service to South Korea is about more than travel convenience—it represents a strategic investment in connectivity, trade, and Canada’s place in the global economy,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at YVR. “YVR is excited to further expand our ability to connect Canada with the world, to support industry and families, attract investment, and to further build resilience in supply chains.”

Each new international route from YVR results in direct economic benefit, with the flight to Seoul estimated to generate $39.8 million in economic output, $20.8 million in GDP, and 237 full time jobs in the province.  

“The launch of our Vancouver–Incheon route represents more than just a new destination—it’s a meaningful bridge connecting people, cultures, and economic opportunity,” said Mr. Sang Yoon Lee, CEO of T’way Air. “As the first Korean low-cost carrier to serve Canada, we’re excited to welcome onboard travellers to Korea while continuing to deliver reliable service.”

Prior to the flight departing for its inaugural 11-hour journey, Elders from Musqueam, joined by Musqueam Councillor Morgan Guerin, helped send passengers on their journey in a good way with traditional songs and hands raised. Since 2017, this relationship has been guided by the Musqueam-YVR Sustainability & Friendship Agreement, a 30-year commitment built on respect, reconciliation, and shared prosperity. 

Flights with T’way from Vancouver to Seoul are scheduled to depart YVR at 5:25 p.m. local time arriving at ICN the next day at 9:35 p.m. local time. T’way is operating this route using an Airbus 330-300 aircraft, offering 347 seats, including lie-flat options in its Business Saver class, moving approximately 2,700 passengers weekly. 

Established in 2010, T’way Air is a low-cost carrier serving more than 40 destinations domestically in South Korea and around the globe including Europe, Asia, Australia, and now North America with the introduction of service to YVR.   

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

WestJet's new six-hour service will operate every Friday during the 2025/2026 Winter Season, departing YVR at 12:05 a.m. Passengers will fly on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with 174 seats.

Every new route departing from YVR results in increased economic activity. The new service to Liberia is expected to generate $700,000 in economic output and $300,000 in GDP.

For more information about this service, please view WestJet’s release, here.

The flight was organized in partnership with Air Canada and the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC), a national non-profit established by First Nations for First Nations. It carried delegates to the coalition’s 8th annual conference, a key event focused on Indigenous participation in major project development.

Onboard the Boeing 777 were nine Indigenous flight attendants and an Indigenous pilot, joined by Indigenous ground crew at the gates. A departure event was marked by a traditional Musqueam welcome and a ceremony onboard, honouring the cultural significance of the moment. Remarks were delivered by Mary Point, YVR’s Director of Indigenous Relations; Jim Hemsworth, Manager of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation at Air Canada; and FNMPC board members led by Steve Saddleback.

“I had such good feelings in my heart as we shared protocol with our Indigenous friends from across the nations — and when they responded with their teachings,” added Mary Point. “I felt a sense of the way it once was, before the airport was here… a true sense of connection as we wished them all “nem̓ ʔewəɬ - Safe Travels - Bon Voyage.”

This moment is a testament to what’s possible when organizations work together to create opportunities and elevate Indigenous voices. At YVR, we are proud to support initiatives that reflect our shared values and help build a more inclusive future for aviation in Canada as we walk a path of reconciliation and learning together.

Photo: Célian Genier, Air Canada 

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.  

JetBlue passengers travelling to and from Vancouver can now enjoy the suite life thanks to the airline introducing JetBlue Mint to its daily flights between New York’s JFK International Airport and YVR.  

Available only on select routes in JetBlue’s network, Mint is the airline’s business class product available for passengers seeking a more premium travel experience. JetBlue Mint features direct aisle access, restaurant-quality dining, and lie-flat beds. With additional amenities like pajamas and a Tuft & Needle® Adaptive foam comforter and cushions, passengers can now enjoy a rejuvenating rest from YVR before landing in The City That Never Sleeps.  

On July 21, we were thrilled to celebrate the inaugural flight from YVR equipped with this exciting upgrade. Passengers enjoyed a special event at the gate, complete with cookies, balloons, and special Mint luggage tags to mark the launch of this premium business class product.  

JetBlue first launched service to JFK from YVR in July 2022, making Vancouver the first and only Canadian destination in JetBlue’s network.  

Flights to JFK with JetBlue Mint operate daily, departing YVR at 10:30 p.m. and arriving in New York at 6:48 a.m.  

For more details and to book, please visit www.jetblue.com.