Vancouver International Airport reports second-highest passenger numbers and record cargo volumes in 2024

Credit: Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) recorded 26.2 million passengers in 2024, a five per cent increase from 2023’s 24.9 million. This marks the second-highest passenger count in YVR’s history, just shy of 2019’s record 26.3 million travellers.

Cargo operations also set a new milestone, with 339,000 tonnes moved in 2024, a seven per cent increase from 2023 and surpassing the previous record of 338,000 tonnes in 2018.

Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at YVR, expressed gratitude to employees and partners, stating:

“I want to thank the 26,000 employees across Sea Island and YVR who are dedicated to ensuring our airport operates safely, while providing a positive experience for travellers here at home and from all over the world.”

Passenger growth across all sectors

• Domestic travel saw a 0.3 per cent increase from 2023.
• Transborder (US) travel rose by 9.7 per cent.
• International travel grew 10.4 per cent compared to 2023.

With 51 airlines serving 120 destinations, YVR remains Canada’s second busiest airport and a key economic driver for Metro Vancouver and British Columbia.

Economic impact and future growth

YVR contributes $15 billion to Canada’s GDP, supporting thousands of jobs. A single year-round wide-body international flight, such as Air Canada’s YVR-Shanghai route, generates $33 million in GDP and 400 jobs across tourism, hospitality, and related industries.

Vrooman concluded:
“With our continued focus on increasing accessibility, investing in innovation and building towards a future as an intermodal transportation hub, we are further strengthening YVR’s position as critical supply chain infrastructure supporting local and global connectivity.”

YVR continues to drive economic development, focusing on digital modernisation, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.

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