Situated in the Domestic Arrivals area on Level 2, Paper Planes Café is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s a space where inclusion takes flight. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., the café employs individuals on the autism spectrum, providing them with paid, hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop valuable skills in a real-world work environment.

Through this café, YVR and PAFN offer up to six months of training, covering essential skills and expertise typical of the restaurant and service industry. This includes barista talents, food preparation, and customer service, all designed to prepare graduates for a successful career in the hospitality field.  Upon completing the program, graduates are supported in their job search within the community—equipped with confidence, experience, and new professional connections.

Since opening in 2023, the café has become a vibrant part of the terminal and a symbol of what inclusive employment can achieve. To date, Paper Planes Café has served over 36,000 cups of coffee to travellers and airport employees alike —each one prepared with care and pride by its dedicated team.

Among those team members are TJ and Rahma, two remarkable graduates whose stories reflect the impact of this program. Check their stories below.

From their first shifts behind the counter to serving travellers from around the world, the Paper Planes team shows us every day what’s possible when we build environments that embrace diversity and foster belonging.

YVR is committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive airport, and our partnership with PAFN is a powerful example of how we can work together to uplift our community and open doors to meaningful opportunities.

Curbside greeting and assistance 

YVR’s Guest Experience team offers assistance with baggage, directions, and accessibility needs through the Curbside Greeting Program. Support is available at all entry points, and passengers can arrange additional assistance in advance by contacting the Customer Call Centre: 604-207-7077, TTY: 604-207-7070 or by email at customercallcentre@yvr.ca.  

Discreet support along the way 

As passengers continue their journey, the Sunflower Program provides discreet support for those with hidden disabilities. By wearing a free Sunflower Lanyard, travellers signal to airport staff that they may need extra patience or assistance. These lanyards are available at Information Counters throughout the airport.   

Airport staff, trained in neurodiverse inclusion with guidance from organizations like the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN), are dedicated to ensuring a welcoming, supportive environment for all travellers, including those with neurodivergent needs. 

Support through security 

Navigating security can be particularly stressful for neurodivergent passengers. To provide extra assistance during this process, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has introduced Facilitators, helping those who need additional support as they pass through security screening.  

Paper Planes Café: inclusive employment and experience 

For a relaxing break, passengers can visit the Paper Planes Café, a collaborative project with PAFN, located in the domestic arrivals area. This inclusive coffee bar, staffed by individuals from the neurodiverse community, offers a variety of coffee, hot drinks, and snacks. Not only does the café provide a peaceful stop, but it also supports inclusive training and employment at YVR. 

Quiet areas and reflective spaces 

As travellers continue on their journey through the airport, YVR has several quiet areas and reflective spaces to help manage sensory overload. These include a Quiet Area (Gate D67) and a yoga space. A multi-faith prayer room is also available and welcomes all visitors wanting to take a moment for quiet contemplation amid what can feel like the seasonal travel rush.  

Enhancing independence and reassurance  

To help passengers prepare for their airport experience, YVR, in collaboration with the PAFN and Canucks Autism Network (CAN), offers practical guides designed to support autistic passengers and their families. These resources ensure a more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable journey for all. 

A commitment to accessibility 

YVR’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond resources and amenities. The Airport Authority is continuously improving to ensure that all passengers, regardless of ability, have a smooth and stress-free travel experience.  

From arrival to departure, YVR is dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for neurodivergent passengers, reflecting our commitment to accessibility at every step of the journey. 

For more information on YVR’s Accessibility initiatives visit our website at yvr.ca. 

The lunch brought together community leaders, including Vancouver’s Mayor Ken Sim, Premier David Eby, and a special message from Prime Minister Trudeau, all celebrating the strides made in fostering equity and opportunity. Attendees were moved by heartfelt testimonials, including one from a young woman who shared her journey of being diagnosed with autism during the pandemic. After a traumatic experience, she found PAFN and received critical support that transformed her life. Her powerful story left the audience, including YVR team members, deeply inspired.

Celebrating one year of Paper Planes Cafe

The event also highlighted the successful partnership between PAFN and YVR through Paper Planes Café, which marked its first anniversary this year. Since its opening at YVR, the café has served 36,888 cups of coffee, but its impact is far greater than the numbers suggest.

As part of PAFN’s mission to provide neurodiverse individuals with opportunities, Paper Planes Café has become a hub for inclusive growth and empowerment. Together with YVR, the unique space has implemented several initiatives to break down employment barriers, including:

• Job Fair: Organized to provide accessible information about job opportunities and pathways to meaningful work.
• Café Trainee Program: Offered hands-on experience to 29 trainees, building their confidence and addressing discrimination.
• Mock Interviews: Partnered with YVR to prepare trainees for job interviews, helping them develop essential networking skills.
• YVR Career Tour: Arranged a tour with YVR and the airport’s business connections, giving trainees insight into career options and job search strategies.

These programs not only build skills but also challenge misconceptions about neurodiversity in the workplace, helping create a more inclusive and equitable future.

A message from YVR

In a video shared at the event, Tamara Vrooman, CEO of YVR, celebrated the partnership with Paper Planes Café and the incredible impact the program has had on young adults over the past year. This initiative exemplifies how businesses can play a pivotal role in driving social change.

A shared commitment to inclusion

The 2024 Annual Launch Holiday Lunch and the success of Paper Planes Café are powerful reminders of the change that’s possible when organizations and communities come together. As Paper Planes Café begins its second year, YVR remains committed to fostering inclusion, empowering neurodiverse individuals, and supporting initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Paper Planes Café takes flight at Vancouver International Airport, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to accessibility and community engagement.

This café is not just another coffee bar; it is a testament to our dedication to creating a more inclusive and accessible travel environment. Situated in the Domestic Arrivals area on Level 2, this café represents a significant step forward in our mission to serve our people and the community. Its doors will be open for travellers from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. seven days a week.

The uniqueness of this coffee bar lies in its team, which is made up of individuals with a diverse range of abilities from the neurodiverse community. These individuals will be at the helm, brewing coffee, and serving quick snacks to the millions of passengers and guests who traverse YVR's terminal, as well as the thousands of employees who call the airport home.

The primary goal of Paper Planes Café is to empower its staff by providing them with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the workforce. Through this café, YVR and PAFN will offer up to six-months of training covering essential skills and expertise typical of the restaurant and service industry. This includes barista talents, food preparation, and customer service, all of which will prepare employees for a successful career in the hospitality field. Following the training, staff will also be supported in their job search in the community.

The innovative, impactful, and important partnership between YVR and PAFN began in 2021 with a shared vision to make travel accessible and enjoyable for everyone. As part of YVR's three-year accessibility plan, we are actively working towards creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible travel experience for people of all abilities.

Paper Planes Café at YVR is not just a coffee shop; it is a beacon of hope, inclusivity, and empowerment. It is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to make travel accessible for all, regardless of ability. So, the next time you find yourself at YVR, be sure to stop by the Paper Planes Café for a coffee and a taste of what true inclusivity feels like – because every journey, whether by air or in life, should be one that all can embark upon.