During the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July 2026, our airport and our city had the privilege of welcoming the world to Vancouver. For many players, officials, fans, and other World Cup visitors, YVR was their first impression of British Columbia, and, for many, it won’t be their last. That is a responsibility we took seriously, and a responsibility our team met with pride, professionalism, and care.

YVR welcomed a total of ten teams over the course of the tournament. From the moment the players stepped off their aircraft and onto our airfield, British Columbia hospitality was on full display. Each team was welcomed by Musqueam representatives upon landing, beginning their time here in a good way and reminding all of us that major global events are also moments to honour place, partnership, and community.

YVR exists to serve our community and the economy that supports it. During the games period, that purpose was especially visible. Nearly 2.8 million passengers travelled through YVR during the games period from June 8 to July 10, with an average of more than 86,000 travellers each day. Our busiest day approached 92,000 passengers. Behind those numbers are real moments. Families arriving for the match of a lifetime, players living their World Cup dreams, and visitors seeing our region at its best.

What stood out most is how smoothly YVR and our teams performed. Travellers listened to the guidance, making use of innovations such as biometric boarding. They also planned their trip to or from YVR in advance and chose transit in greater numbers. TransLink reported that Canada Line ridership from YVR increased by nearly 9 per cent during the World Cup period, an example of how YVR and our partner organizations worked collaboratively together for a greater benefit.

None of this happened by accident. Since June 2022, YVR’s dedicated cross-functional team spanning facilitation, emergency management, baggage, maintenance, communications and many other areas, planned for this moment. Working closely with Musqueam, Canada Border Services Agency, TransLink, airline partners Air Canada and WestJet, NAV CANADA, the Vancouver Host Committee and many other partners, the team ensured YVR was ready to deliver when it mattered.

To every member of the YVR team, thank you. Thank you for the early mornings, the detailed planning, the calm decision-making, the coordination behind the scenes and the warm welcome on the front lines. Together, you helped YVR meet the moment, delivering a strong seamless experience for passengers, teams and visitors.

We also recognize our partners, whose collaboration has been essential to this success. Major events require trust, alignment and a shared commitment to serving the public. What we delivered during the World Cup period shows what is possible when organizations work together with clarity and purpose.

As the World Cup activities in Vancouver wrap up and YVR moves deeper into the busy summer travel season, we will continue encouraging travellers to plan ahead, keep checking YVR.ca for travel-related tips, check with their airline before coming to the airport, consider transit, pre-book parking where possible, and take advantage of the investments we have made in technology, such as biometrics, to help keep the journey smooth.

For now, we take a moment to acknowledge what has been accomplished. YVR helped Vancouver welcome the world. We showcased Canadian pride and hospitality. We supported our community and the regional economy. And we did it together with care, resilience and the steady excellence that defines this team.