Past and Future

From serving 1,072 passengers in 1931 to over 25 million passengers in 2018, YVR is committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of.

YVR poster to commemorate the opening of the airport in 1931

Our story began with a single runway and a small, wood-frame administration building that welcomed 1,072 passengers in 1931. Today, YVR is Canada's second busiest airport, connecting passengers to over 118 non-stop destinations. From its war-time expansion in the 1940s to the jet era of the 1960s, Expo preparations in the 1980s and the millions of athletes, passengers and visitors of the 2010 Winter Games—YVR has become a gateway that connects British Columbia's history and its people.

"Few cities on the North American continent can boast an airport and seaplane harbour as magnificent in its conception and with such a wonderful future ahead as can Vancouver," exclaimed the 1931 opening celebrations brochure. But more than Vancouver's airport, YVR is British Columbia's airport. With distinctive art and architecture reflective of our province's natural beauty and dynamic culture, YVR is a place where visitors are welcomed to BC and where residents are welcomed home.

A 1931 opening celebrations poster touted Vancouver as the gateway to Asia. As a significant employer and economic generator for the region, it is our job to ensure YVR is well-positioned to attract new services and routes and to connect our community to the rest of the world.