YVR sets new passenger and cargo records in 2025

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) says it handled more than 26.9 million travellers in 2025, setting a new all-time passenger record as cargo volumes also hit a high in the airport’s 94-year history.

Passenger traffic rose 2.7 per cent year over year, surpassing the previous record of 26.3 million set in 2019. 

By sector, domestic travel increased 3.8 per cent, while Asia-Pacific passenger volumes climbed 15.6 per cent compared with 2024. 

Transborder traffic to U.S. destinations fell 7.1 per cent, which YVR attributed to shifting global travel patterns.

On the cargo side, the airport said 365,000 tonnes of goods moved through YVR in 2025 — a 7.4 per cent increase over 2024 — underscoring the airport’s role in the supply chain, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable exports.

“Strong operations and customer service combined with globally recognized innovation generated record results in 2025,” said Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO of Vancouver International Airport. 

“I recognize and thank our outstanding YVR and Sea Island employees, our partners at Musqueam, as well as our airline customers and passengers for contributing to this achievement.”

YVR said the results reflect its standing as Canada’s second-busiest airport and its role as an economic driver, contributing more than $15 billion to Canada’s GDP each year. 

The airport pointed to T’Way Airlines’ year-round wide-body service to Seoul, launched last July, which it estimates will generate $39.8 million in economic output, $20.8 million in GDP, and 237 full-time jobs in B.C.

“Looking forward, YVR is ready to go to welcome additional flights and carriers to get more of Canada to global markets while at the same time creating jobs and opportunity here at home,” Vrooman added.

“As governments look to sign new bilateral and trade agreements, we are on the ground in those emerging markets, engaged with our partners, building new relationships today to be ready for that additional growth tomorrow.”

YVR said it is now host to 57 airlines serving 129 non-stop destinations.

Quick facts from YVR’s 2025 results

• Skytrax rankings: YVR was again named Best Airport in North America (the 14th time in 16 years) and ranked 13th in the world’s top 20 airports, according to the Skytrax World Airport Awards.
• New and returning routes/carriers: YVR cited additions including Air Canada to Manila and Beijing, China Southern to Guangzhou, China Eastern to Shanghai, T’Way Airlines to Seoul, and WestJet to Liberia, Costa Rica.
• Biometric screening: YVR said it became the first airport in Canada to install e-gates for Air Canada’s Domestic Digital ID program, which is expanding to U.S. departures.
• Security screening tech: Working with CATSA, YVR said it became the first airport to install CT X-ray equipment at its domestic screening area, allowing travellers to keep large electronics and liquids in their bags.
• Infrastructure: YVR noted operational and infrastructure work including completion of a $133 million upgrade to its North Runway.

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