YVR welcomes Sun Country Airlines to Canadian skies, with its inaugural flight from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR) is thrilled to be the first Canadian airport to welcome Sun Country Airlines in its scheduled service inaugural flight from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to YVR.

Sun Country’s first scheduled service flight to Canada landed at YVR today, commencing its twice-weekly summer seasonal service between YVR and MSP.  

“Connecting people, places and community is at the heart of what we do at YVR. As the world re-opens to travel, we are excited to welcome another new airline partner, Sun Country, to provide an additional option between Vancouver and Minneapolis for travellers this summer,” said Russell Atkinson, Director, Air Service Development at Vancouver Airport Authority.

Celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year, Sun Country, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a hybrid low-cost air carrier with a focus on leisure travel serving customers throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and now Canada.

“Vancouver is Sun Country’s first scheduled service to a Canadian destination,” said Grant Whitney, Chief Revenue Officer at Sun Country Airlines. “We are excited to offer Minnesotans the opportunity to visit British Columbia and expand our service to the Pacific Northwest.”

A Boeing 737-800 with seat capacity for 186 passengers will cover the distance of 1,400 miles in approximately four hours and five minutes from YVR to MSP every Wednesday and Saturday at the following times:

June 15, 2022, to September 3, 2022 (summer seasonal service)

• MSP to YVR – Depart 8:45 - Arrival 10:50 (Pacific Time)
• YVR to MSP – Depart 11:50 - Arrival 17:20 (Pacific Time)

“We are very pleased that Sun Country chose YVR as its first Canadian destination,” said Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC. “We know how critical air access is to our visitor economy and this new international air service comes at an opportune time as British Columbia’s tourism sector continues to rebuild following the pandemic. Sun Country will bring thousands of new visitors to our province—connecting them with unique experiences and award-winning tourism offerings in every region.”