Recently released final passenger numbers at YVR confirm that 2018 was another year of record-breaking growth for the airport. 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.
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, Air Canada introduced new flights to 10 destinations, including Paris and Zurich and increased service on five existing routes, including making its 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 U.S. airports.
YVR is on track to serve more than 29-million passengers in 2020, with projections indicating the airport will serve 32-million by 2022.
To facilitate recent and projected growth, YVR is investing $9.1-billion in its expansion program, which includes 75 major capital improvement projects scheduled over the next 20 years. Once complete, the expansion will enhance the airport experience, improve the speed and ease of passenger and bag movements, and further YVR’s position as a leading international hub.
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.
Passenger Growth Highlights: January – December 2018
- 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
