This year’s exercise was especially significant as we look ahead to welcoming the world for the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Over 100 participants took part directly in the exercise, supported by additional observers and planners who contributed throughout the process. Together, they tested emergency protocols in a realistic, large-scale scenario.

Partners included the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS), among others. Their participation highlighted the importance of multi-agency collaboration in protecting the safety and security of our passengers, employees, and community. Volunteers, some acting as injured or distressed passengers, played a critical role in making the exercise as authentic as possible.

Full-scale exercises such as this one are held annually, alongside a number of other safety and security activities throughout the year, including tabletop exercises, training, and smaller emergency drills. Together, these activities allow YVR and its partners to continuously test and strengthen emergency response plans while building greater readiness across the airport community.

A special thank you goes to YVR’s Business Resilience team, along with our many internal and external partners, for their dedication and commitment in planning and delivering this complex exercise.

Exercises of this scale require months of preparation and coordination, but the outcome is invaluable: stronger relationships with our partners, greater readiness for large-scale events, and, most importantly, the assurance that safety remains our top priority at YVR.

The training exercise will run from approximately 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Passengers may see actors in the terminal taking part in the exercise. All participants will be clearly identifiable by vests, YVR baseball caps and/or name tags. Signs will also be posted around the airport with information. 

Full-scale training exercises are a key part of YVR’s Emergency Management Plan and are performed on a regular basis to ensure emergency preparedness in accordance with Transport Canada regulations.  

A full media package, including photos, will be sent out after the exercise concludes on October 2.