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YVR traffic soars to new record in 2018

Record breaking passenger numbers driven by increased air services as YVR embarks on $9.1 billion expansion program to keep pace

Today, Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR) released final passenger numbers for 2018, confirming another year of record-breaking growth. YVR welcomed more than 25.9 million passengers, a 7.3 per cent increase over 2017, reaching its 25 million passenger milestone two years ahead of forecast.

“This is an exciting time of incredible growth at YVR. We look forward to unveiling some of the projects under our current multi-billion-dollar construction program to address this growth and build the airport of the future,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “We continue to work with our airline partners and entire airport community to position YVR as a world-class connecting hub, providing greater access for people and products to global destinations, all while driving economic benefits for our region.”

The airport’s passenger growth is fuelled by expanded services from its airline partners, including significant continued growth from Air Canada who has chosen YVR as its premier trans-Pacific hub. In 2018, the airline introduced new flights to 10 destinations, including Paris and Zurich, and increased service on five existing routes, including making their popular non-stop service to Delhi year-round. New services such as these are made possible by YVR’s rates and charges program, ConnectYVR. The program provides a highly competitive rate structure and includes rates lower than any other major airport in Canada and competing US airports. 

YVR’s multi-year expansion plans are made possible by its unique, not-for-profit operating model, which ensures all profits generated at YVR are reinvested back into the airport for the benefit of its customers, partners and communities. To learn more about YVR’s unique not-for-profit operation model, please click here.

Passenger Growth Highlights: January – December 2018

> 25.9 million passengers, a 7.3 per cent increase over the same period in 2017

> An 8.5 per cent increase in international traffic

> A 6.1 per cent increase in domestic traffic

> A 5.5 per cent increase in transborder (US) traffic

> YVR moved 338,000 tonnes of cargo, an 8.1 per cent increase from 2017

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