YVR Releases 2026–2029 Accessibility Plan, Advancing Inclusive Travel for All

Musqueam Territory/Richmond, B.C. (June 1, 2026):  Today, Vancouver Airport Authority released its 2026–2029 Accessibility Plan, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring every traveller experiences a smooth, seamless, airport experience.

“Accessibility is fundamental to how we deliver a world-class airport experience. As we launch our second Accessibility Plan, we are guided by the strong foundation of our first plan and by the experiences of travellers, employees, customers, and community partners,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO of Vancouver International Airport. “We are committed to listening, learning, and continuing to take action to remove barriers, ensuring every traveller is able to move through YVR with confidence.”

The new plan builds on the progress of Beyond Accessibility, YVR’s comprehensive three‑year Accessibility Plan (2023–2025). Co‑created with YVR’s community and accessibility partners, Beyond Accessibility provided the framework for creating a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible travel experience for people of all abilities and helped ensure predictable, stress‑free journeys for passengers.

Over the past three years, YVR has advanced major commitments from its first plan. Recent initiatives include launching the Travel Rehearsal Program, expanding quiet spaces to U.S. and Domestic terminals, and adding sign language boarding messaging on gate information display screens. This year, YVR was also re-certified with the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Gold rating, recognizing the airport’s continued leadership in accessibility and inclusive design.

Building on this foundation, the 2026–2029 Accessibility Plan was shaped through extensive consultation with accessibility partners, customers, employees, and airport organizations. Over the next three years, YVR will focus on enhancing quiet spaces throughout the terminal, completing CATSA Plus upgrades at security screening points, and strengthening inclusive communications, including a refresh of our accessibility page. Work will also include expanding tactile warning surface indicators at the top of stairs, testing cane-detectable stanchions, enhancing curbside‑to‑gate support and continuing to install automated push-button door openers in our private, single stall washrooms.

Ensuring YVR is accessible to all continues to be a top priority across the travel experience. Universal access is also embedded into every expansion and infrastructure project at the airport.

More information, including the full 2026–2029 Accessibility Plan, is available at yvr.ca/accessibility.

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Additional quotes:

“YVR continues to demonstrate what meaningful accessibility leadership can look like in the transportation and aviation sector… Their work shows what is possible when accessibility is approached with intention, collaboration, and accountability.” - Marco Pasqua, Inspirational Speaker and Accessibility Consultant, Meaningful Access Consulting

“The thoughtful and collaborative approach behind Beyond Accessibility should serve as a model for how accessibility can be integrated across operations, services, and public spaces.” - Andrea Bull, CEO, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

“We are thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with YVR on their unwavering commitment to ensuring safe and accessible journeys for all after making great strides over the past three years, including the installation of tactile wayfinding on stairways. Accessibility should never be an afterthought, and YVR is setting an example for how equitable travel should look." - Ana Booth, Executive Director, British Columbia/Yukon, CNIB

"PADS appreciates YVR’s support in providing access to the airport environment for Service Dogs and Dogs in Training and YVR's continued leadership to support people with mobility challenges. This partnership promotes accessibility, inclusion, and public education, helping clients build confidence and independence when traveling, while preparing dogs to navigate the unique demands of air travel. Together, it enhances outcomes for people with disabilities and fosters a more accessible travel experience for all." - Jacob Rodgers, Senior Manager, Client Care, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS)

"We’re proud to recognize YVR’s continued leadership in advancing accessibility and inclusion. As the first airport to achieve our Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Gold rating in 2018, YVR has set a strong standard. Their recertification this year underscores a sustained commitment to removing barriers. This ongoing dedication helps ensure travellers of all ages and abilities can move through the airport with confidence and ease." - Doramy Ehling, CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation

“We are impressed with YVR’s commitment to the highest level of accessibility possible and appreciate their continuing collaboration with those with lived experience.” - Stan Leyenhorst, Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification Professional, Universal Access Design Inc

“Canucks Autism Network (CAN) has been proud to work with YVR since 2014, opening up a world of possibilities for Autistic travellers and their families. Together, we have developed resources to support sensory sensitivities and build predictability with the airport experience. Our annual Airport Accessibility Tour at YVR is among our most popular events of the year. Through these initiatives, we have seen firsthand the meaningful difference that thoughtful accessibility measures can make for the autism community. YVR’s commitment to accessibility and engagement with community partners shines through in their “Beyond Accessibility” Plan.” -  Jenny Carwana, Manager of Accessibility Initiatives and Partnerships, Canucks Autism Network